Man charged in shooting at party in Cudahy home



CUDAHY -- A 19-year-old man has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man at a home near Barnard and Swift in Cudahy.

Edwin Almestica of Milwaukee has been charged with one count of first degree reckless homicide, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Cudahy police say 19-year-old Dawid Opalinski was killed via a gunshot wound to the chest during a party at a home. The medical examiner pronounced Opalinski dead at the scene, after police and fire officials attempted to revive him unsuccessfully.

According to the criminal complaint in this case, police interviewed a woman who said there was a party at a residence, and Opalinski and Almestica were at the party. The woman told police Opalinski was talking with a man, when he was approached by Almestica and a scuffle ensued, during which Opalinski apparently punched Almestica in the face. The woman told police she heard a "pop," and saw a "red spot" on Opalinski's chest and realized he had been shot. The woman says Almestica then fled the residence.

Police also interviewed a man, who said Opalinski was upset towards the end of this party, and mentioned he was about to punch Almestica in the face. The man told police Almestica came through the door wielding a small handgun, and pointed it at Opalinski, before he heard a "pop." The man says he was shoulder to shoulder with Opalinski when he was shot.

Police also have a 21-year-old man in custody and say they will be seeking charges of second degree recklessly endangering safety.



The shooting took place inside the residence around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Police say a party was being held at the home.

Cudahy police were assisted by officers from St. Francis and South Milwaukee as well as the Wisconsin State Patrol.