"Our family is so relieved:" 2 in custody for murder of pizza delivery driver
MILWAUKEE -- Two suspects are now in custody for allegedly fatally shooting a pizza delivery driver in Milwaukee last weekend. The suspects are a 25-year-old man and 17-year-old boy. They were arrested on Monday, September 18th, police said.
60-year-old Clarence Taper was apparently robbed while delivering an order to the neighborhood near 75th and Glenbrook on the city's northwest side last Friday, September 15th.
Taper was a father, grandfather and dedicated employee at Buddy's Pizza and Steak. His manager said he's heartbroken and furious about what happened. His daughter offered the below statement on behalf of the family Wednesday, September 20th:
"Our family is so relieved. We are just so happy an arrest has been made and now we can lay my father to rest knowing justice will be served for him."
Clarence Taper
"I'm very sorry it happened. He's a good friend of mine and one of the best employees we have here. It makes me very angry and frustrated because they could have just taken his money. They didn't have to shoot him dead. They didn't have to kill him. He didn't deserve to die like that. Nobody does," Taper's manager said.
Milwaukee police say the case will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office in the coming days for charges.
Fatal shooting near 75th and Glenbrook
As the investigation continues, the family has established a GoFundMe.com account to raise money for funeral expenses. CLICK HERE if you'd like to make a donation.
Meanwhile, Todd Halbach, a minister and member of the Salvation Army said efforts are underway to throw a fundraiser for the family.
Buddy's Pizza and Steak
"Why would they want to shoot a pizza man? One thing is to pay for a funeral, but maybe extra money for a memorial," Halbach said.
Taper's manager told FOX6 News Wednesday he has stopped deliveries to the area near 75th and Glenbrook, and he said his drivers are angry about what happened. He described Taper as "one of the best employees we have here," and someone who never said no.