Family of murder victim speaks publicly for first time

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Loved ones of a Milwaukee teenager who was gunned down in Washington Park on Monday, May 6th pray the gunman is found soon. The victim's immediate family spoke out for the first time on Tuesday.

Precious Taylor is emotion as she tries to overcome the devastation felt after the brutal murder of her younger brother, Daniel Gardner.

"He crosses our minds every second and you can’t help but cry and try to think about who he was and who he was trying to become," said Taylor.

Taylor says the 17-year-old just got a new job, wanted to graduate and was even contemplating marriage. She says he was trying to turn his life around -- and was a caring guy.

All of that was taken away when a suspect approached Gardner on Monday while he was with his girlfriend and her little brother who was sitting in a stroller. The man shot and killed Gardner and then ran away.

Milwaukee police recently received a federal grant to improve policing in the Washington Park area. They are preparing to implement changes soon.

"We’ve kind of taken a head start on that including bicycle patrols officer in that particular area in addition to a summer policing plan that well be doing," said Commander Michael Brunson.

Gardner's family is in the process of planning a vigil and services for Daniel. If you would like contribute, a fund has been set up for him at Landmark Credit Union called "The Daniel Gardner Memorial Fund."

A vigil is planned in Gardner's honor on Thursday, May 9th at 3:00 p.m. at Washington Park.

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