Could more have been done? Family questions first responders after fatal shooting; fire chief responds

MILWAUKEE -- Could more have been done? A family is questioning first responders who were on the scene of a deadly shooting on Saturday, November 28th. The victim was declared dead by Milwaukee firefighters twice. First responders were called back to the scene when she showed signs of life.

Tonie Phillips

A vigil was held for 47-year-old Tonie Phillips on Wednesday, December 2nd near 39th and Hampton.

The family is not only expressing grief -- but also outrage.

Loved ones gathered inside the Victory Temple Church Wednesday night to remember Phillips.

She was shot near 27th and Wells on Saturday night.

Shooting near 27th and Wells

First responders say they were at the scene within four minutes of the call.

Milwaukee Fire Department paramedics say a medical team declared Phillips dead eight minutes later -- and they left the scene.

Twenty-six minutes later, they were called back to the scene when a Milwaukee police officer heard moaning from beneath a tarp.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing

"The reports are the police officer on the scene, heard sounds coming underneath," Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing said.

Phillips' family is devastated -- calling MFD's actions negligent.

"To hear that my sister laid on that cold concrete for 26 minutes in pain, she was suffering I'm sure for 26 minutes. Negligence," Theresa Khalil said. "I miss my sister. I miss my sister dearly. I don't understand it. I'm praying for understanding."

Theresa Khalil

Phillips was rushed to Froedtert Hospital, where she died.

Family members say they believe Phillips would be alive today if proper medical care was given.

"We certainly understand this is a difficult time for the family," Chief Rohlfing said.

Chief Rohlfing said declaring someone dead isn't something they take lightly. They consulted with a Froedtert doctor before that decision was made.

"We are constantly learning from our experiences and we continue to learn. We look at this incident and as we go through what happened and we reviews our protocols, if we find our protocols need to be changed, they certainly will be changed," Chief Rohlfing said.

Phillips' family members say they plan to file a formal complaint with the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission. They are also looking into taking legal action.

Shooting near 27th and Wells