Nearly half-dozen shootings since weekend, four fatalities in 24 hrs.



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It has been a violent week in Milwaukee -- after a string of shootings incidents began last weekend. Since last Friday, nearly a half-dozen shootings have been recorded, and the amount of fatal shootings over the past week has risen to seven -- with four of those occurring over the past 24 hours (Wednesday into Thursday).

The latest shooting incident occurred near Sherman and Capitol around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday. Officials say a 26-year-old woman was shot at a Citgo station, and later died at the hospital.

Gas station surveillance video shows a dark vehicle at pump #2, and shows a woman pumping gas when she is approached by a man. The video shows the woman backing up, before she is shot and falls to the ground.

Then, the video shows the man driving off in the woman's car.

Angie Beckum lives near the gas station.

"Who would just walk up to somebody and just shoot them like that? I don't know. I've heard a lot of gunshots around here. I witnessed some things in front of my house. It makes me fear for my kids to have somebody shot. It could have been them, so it's kind of scary," Beckum said.

Gloria Luckett heard the fatal shot.

"This is our community. We want everyone here to be happy and be safe. We have kids. We have animals running around. It's just ridiculous that every time we turn around there's something going on with this corner here. As I said, we got the backyard set up really nice. We could be out there at all hours day and night -- but with these shootings around here it makes you want to stay indoors," Luckett said.

Two other shooting incidents also occurred earlier in the evening on Wednesday.

According to police, an 18-year-old man was shot after witnessing a grocery store robbery near 9th Pl. and Hayes.

A family friend of the victim says the teenager slipped into a coma after the shooting. He has since died from his injuries.

Milwaukee police are also investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 7600 block of 78th St. near Calumet around 4:15 p.m. The victim is a 26-year-old man.

Initial investigation shows the incident started as a verbal argument that escalated to property damage and a physical fight. The shooting suspects left the area before returning and shooting the victim.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn was at the scene, hours after announcing a new plan to combat gun violence with a $500,000 commitment for police overtime for city officers.

Additionally, the 44-year-old man who was shot during a robbery at the Family Dollar store near 43rd and Oklahoma Tuesday, August 6th has died. He has been identified as Bill Melendez.

City leaders, including Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan have spoken out, condemning the violence.

Additionally, Alderman Joe Dudzik on Thursday released the following statement on the Family Dollar shooting:

"I am saddened to learn that the 44-year-old worker who was shot during a robbery at the Family Dollar store at S. 43rd St. and W. Oklahoma Ave. on Tuesday has passed away. My sincere condolences and prayers go to his family.

It is tragic and sad that Milwaukee’s ongoing summer of gun violence includes innocent victims who are merely trying to earn an honest day’s pay at their jobs. It angers me to know that there are cowardly, soulless individuals who are willing to shoot innocent people for no reason, and without a thought about the impact of their deadly actions.

But I am angered equally by our judicial system, which is failing the City of Milwaukee by releasing too many known criminals back on our streets regularly after repeated arrests (I have a hunch the Family Dollar shooter is someone who has had significant contact with police in the past).

While some are calling for more police officers and more money for police overtime, I am calling for the judicial system to put career criminals away – and to keep them locked up – so law-abiding, innocent individuals can go about their lives with reasonable expectations of peace and safety."

Mayor Barrett and state Rep. Jon Richards (D - Milwaukee) have called for a state solution to Milwaukee's violence -- suggesting the Legislature change the law, and make illegal gun possession a felony with a mandatory three-year prison term.

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