Kenosha fatal shooting; suspect considered armed and dangerous
KENOSHA, Wis. - The man wanted for the homicide of Amiah Prather and her unborn child is still on the run, and is considered armed and dangerous.
The Kenosha Police Department’s Major Investigative Group is seeking the community’s help in finding 25-year-old Lawrence Franklin Jr.
Investigators believe Lawrence shot and killed a 22-year-old Amiah Prather on Friday, Sept. 6.
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Armed and dangerous
Kenosha police say that while Lawrence’s actions were not random, [Kenosha police] wants everyone to know that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The community can help by encouraging anyone with information on Lawrence’s whereabouts to come forward.
Lawrence Franklin Jr.
Be on the lookout for Lawrence, but do not approach him. Instead, call police.
Lawrence is 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 105 pounds.
Lawrence has a large tattoo on his neck and tattoos on both arms and wrists. Lawrence has known associates in Kenosha, Racine, and South Milwaukee.
Kenosha fatal shooting; woman and unborn child died, suspect identified
Kenosha police say a 22-year-old woman and her unborn child died as a result of a shooting on 65th Street near 12th Avenue on Friday, Sept. 6.
He was last seen leaving a house on Friday evening near 40th Street and 11th Avenue in Kenosha.
"It’s hard to wrap your head around why somebody would do something, would do this to somebody else," Kenosha Police Department Lt. Joshua Hecker said. "We need him in custody as soon as possible."
Suspect has a past
Records show he's been on the run since May, when he was charged with multiple felonies, including battery, domestic abuse and strangulation for an incident involving Prather.
Amiah Prather
A criminal complaint said Prather told investigators her ex-boyfriend showed up to her home, hit her with an empty liquor bottle and choked her until she passed out.
People have helped Lawrence
Kenosha police say several individuals helped Lawrence after they say he committed the homicide.
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Kenosha police encourage anyone who may have helped Lawrence to come forward. It is a felony to harbor or aid a felon.
If the investigation shows that someone assisted Lawrence in a manner that hinders the investigation, the Kenosha Police Department will arrest that person and refer criminal charges to the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office.
"The community is scared. They’re worried about what might happen with this individual not being in custody," Hecker said. "The fact that we now have three kids who no longer have a mother is extremely heartbreaking."
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A message to Lawrence
In a press release, Kenosha police appealed directly to Lawrence:
"Lawrence, if you are reading our media releases, the safest way to resolve this is to turn yourself in. You can work with our Major Investigative Group to arrange your self-surrender by calling 262-605-5203."