'Extremely disturbing:' Death of 3-month-old child in Milwaukee investigated as homicide

MILWAUKEE -- A homicide investigation is underway after a 3-month-old boy died Sunday, June 14 at Children's Wisconsin. A 22-year-old man from Milwaukee was arrested in connection to this incident.

According to police, officers are investigating a child abuse that occurred Friday, June 12 near 36th and Sheridan around 4:26 p.m.

The victim, a 3-month-old boy, sustained serious injuries. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was in critical condition. The infant died from his injuries on Sunday, June 14.

A 22-year-old man from Milwaukee was arrested in connection to this incident.

The circumstances causing the infant’s death are under investigation. Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office in the upcoming days.

Tragic trend

The infant's death adds to an alarming total. According to Milwaukee police, there have been 72 homicides so far this year. That is up from 34 at this same time one year ago.

"This number is extremely disturbing," said Reggie Moore, the Director of Milwaukee's Office of Violence Prevention.

Moore told FOX6 News Milwaukee is not alone -- other cities are also reporting rising homicide numbers as well as increases in cases of domestic violence.

In 2016, Moore's office created the Blueprint for Peace, a public health-based approach to violence prevention. It is a plan Moore said that needs to be put into action now.

"There is a role for law enforcement," Moore said. "There is also in there a role for enhancing after-school programs, increasing access to affordable housing and quality education, all of those things involve the production of public safety."

Moore mentioned 2020 being off to a horrible start. There have been two mass shootings in Milwaukee this year. Six co-workers were killed at Miller Brewing -- and five family members died inside a home near 12th and Locust in Milwaukee. Lastly, the first homicide victim of the year was a child.