Family mourns Archie Brown, shot after crash: "We cannot allow another family to feel this way"
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Two families are now forever connected by a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday, April 12th near 48th and Glendale. A driver was shot and killed after hitting a two-year-old child with his van, killing the toddler, and a 15-year-old boy died at the hospital after he, too was shot. On Wednesday, at the scene, the community came together for the second time in as many days to remember, to mourn and to stand united.
Archie Brown
Loved ones came together Wednesday evening to remember 40-year-old Archie Brown -- shot and killed as witnesses say distraught and crying, he was trying to help the two-year-old child he struck with his van. Brown's family members, friends and even strangers came together to remember Brown and pray for an end to all the violence.
"My entire family, we hurt y'all. I need you all to help my family heal," Archie Brown's brother said at the vigil.
Brown's family was joined by so many others at Wahl Park near the scene of Sunday's tragedy. The sound of cries echoed through the words shared by those who knew and loved Archie Brown.
"When you go home at night, hug them sons. Hug them! Because tomorrow is not promised," Archie Brown's brother said at the vigil.
"Three people have died as a result of one person's actions," Archie Brown's father, Archie Brown Sr. said. "My son got out of the truck to help the baby, to see if he could assist the child."
Rasheed Chiles & Damani Terry
Police suspect the shooter in this case to be 27-year-old Ricky Chiles -- the uncle of two-year-old Damani Terry and 15-year-old Rasheed Chiles. Terry died as a result of the crash, and Rasheed died in surgery at the hospital after he was shot by what is believed to have been a stray bullet.
As they mourn, Brown's family members and friends say they're fed up with the violence and they're hoping for change.
"We cannot allow another family to feel this way. It's just not right," Archie Brown's brother said at the vigil.
Brown's family prayed for Damani Terry, Rasheed Chiles and their family during Wednesday evening's vigil. That family was invited to the vigil for Brown, but they did not come. We're told it was just too soon.
A vigil was held at the scene in honor of Terry and Rasheed Chiles on Tuesday evening at 48th and Glendale. During that vigil, a family spokeswoman said the family of Terry and Rasheed Chiles does not condone what happened to Archie Brown, and a pastor said the next step is getting these two families together to send a message that will hopefully be powerful enough to prevent future violence.
A fund has been established in Brown’s honor — the Archie Ray Brown Memorial Fund. Donations are being accepted at any Associated Bank branch. The money will help the family cover funeral costs.