As police search for his killer(s), Bill Thao's family says "thank you for the support"



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A memorial has been set up near 73rd and Mill in honor of 13-month-old Bill Thao. The baby boy died at the hospital after bullets flew into a home he was visiting two days after Christmas. Neighbors and strangers have been dropping off flowers and stuffed animals. This, as police continue to investigate who may be responsible for the shooting that ended a baby's life.

Bill Thao



Bill Thao's family says the show of support is helping them through this extremely difficult time.

"We are still hurt. We are still going through all the emotions. Strangers, neighbors a couple houses down down the street -- they're all coming and letting us know that -- to keep our heads up really," Bill Thao's cousin Kou Thao told FOX6 News.

The family says they have no idea why someone would have fired shots into the home on Saturday night, December 27th.

"It`s always hard for anyone to come back to any place where something happened tragically that affects them so yeah, with them coming back, it`s always hard for them now," Kou Thao said.

Police say the home was occupied by several people, and baby Bill Thao was in a front room of the home when several rounds entered through front windows. Police say the child and his mother were visiting the home at the time of the shooting.

Bill Thao was conscious and breathing when officials arrived at the home. He later died at the hospital.

Police said in a news conference Sunday afternoon at the scene they are following up on “at least one very positive lead” that is pointing police in the direction of “one or more people.” Police also say they’re analyzing ballistic evidence from more than one gun.

A Milwaukee police captain said Sunday the bullet that hit the child appeared to have read: “To Whom It May Concern.” He also made reference to a "shots fired" incident that occurred nearby a day or two before Saturday's incident -- but it's unclear whether that incident is related to what happened to Bill Thao.

The baby boy's family says they're thankful for the support, and they're hopeful the boy's killer will soon be brought to justice.

"We just thank you for all the support and thank you for everything you`ve done so far to help us keep our strength and spirit up," Kou Thao said.

Growing memorial set up in honor of Bill Thao



Bill Thao is the third child to die as a result of gunfire over the past seven months. 10-year-old Sierra Guyton died at the hospital in July after she was shot in the head while playing on the playground in May. Five-year-old Laylah Petersen died after she was shot while sitting on her grandfather’s lap in November.

Little Bill Thao’s family says the boy had just started walking.

Thao was the youngest of two children. The family has set up a "Go Fund Me" page, hoping to raise $5,000 to help with funeral costs. CLICK HERE to make a donation.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding the person or persons responsible for the shooting that killed Bill Thao. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (414) 935-7360.

Meanwhile, Minister Gregory Lewis has issued a call for all men and women of faith to join him and other members of Pastors United for a press conference on Tuesday, December 30th at 4:30 p.m. on the steps of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church (2500 W. Medford Ave.) to pray for an end to gun violence in the community and to lift up in prayer and console the Thao family.

“We’re saddened. Our hearts are heavy and we grieve for and with the Thao family who tragically lost their child due to gunshots fired into their home, and to countless others whose lives been cut short due gun violence,” Minister Lewis said, adding: “Our plea to the perpetrators of gun violence is simple: Enough is enough! Halt the gun violence immediately.”

Immediately following the press conference, Pastors United along with Northcott Neighborhood House have invited the community to join them for Watch Night Service in the church’s sanctuary. More than 100 families whose lives have been affected by gun violence in 2014 have been invited to participate in a special Candlelight Vigil of worship, praise, singing and preaching.



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