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10-year-old girl shot, killed while sleeping
A 10-year-old girl is dead following a shooting near 21st and Orchard in Milwaukee early Friday, May 31.
MILWAUKEE - A 10-year-old girl is dead following a shooting near 21st and Orchard in Milwaukee early Friday, May 31.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the shooting happened around 12:40 a.m. The child, identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office as Isdennyeliz Ortiz, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
"It’s heart-wrenching," said Pastor Marty Calderon, Promise Keepers. "It really is, to know that these kids are cut off at such a young age. They will never again breathe air on this earth."
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Family members tell FOX6 News, the 10-year-old was killed as she slept in bed. They say someone in the unit above them fired a gun. The bullet went through the floor – hitting the girl.
"I talked to the family briefly. They’re very devastated," the pastor said.
Shooting near 21st and Orchard, Milwaukee
Pastor Calderone works with Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety. He is walking the neighborhood providing support.
"They see us, they know they can talk to us because they could trust us. It’s basically being a voice for ones that really need to be heard," Calderone said.
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Milwaukee police say so far in 2024, five kids have been shot and killed in the city. It is slightly down from the same time in 2023 – when eight children lost their lives to gun violence.
Family members are now mourning at the same time they are looking for justice.
Isddenieliz Ortiz Merced
"It’s heartbreaking. We see stuff like this happening," the pastor said.
Milwaukee police say the child does not appear to have been targeted. Investigators say they are looking for a known shooter.
MPD Tips
Anyone with any information on this incident is urged to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or use the P3 Tips app.
Shooting near 21st and Orchard, Milwaukee
Reaction
Milwaukee Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa
"I was shocked and horrified to learn that overnight a 10-year-old girl lost her life due to gun violence. There is no other way to describe this horrific incident other than to say it is utterly unacceptable. I am devastated for the family who suffered this loss, and my heart is with them at this time."
"Far too many young people continue to be impacted by gun violence across our city. As a community, we should be working to foster an environment that uplifts our youth as opposed to placing them in harm’s way. These gun-related incidents are wholly preventable, and we must to better to stop them."