Racine gun violence increase in 2022; 'Our hearts ache'

MILWAUKEE - Racine officials are troubled by homicide numbers in their city. Those city leaders say the homicides have doubled in 2022 – and we are only five months into the year. 

The latest homicide being investigated is the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Terrance Blair. Police say he was shot when he was trying to break up a fight outside a bar on Sunday, May 15. The shooter remains at large.

"It’s the sixth homicide of the year in the City of Racine -- compared to three homicides this time last year," said Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson.

The chief said during a Monday afternoon news conference that gun violence struck the 13th and Washington neighborhood early Sunday.

"At this point, we have not identified a suspect or a motive," Robinson said.

The chief said two women began fighting outside Mr. Kool's Sports Bar. Terrance Blair, a business owner in the community, was one of two people struck by gunfire.

"He was not involved but was trying to break up the fight," Robinson said.

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Blair died from his injuries. His wife is Yogi Edwards. Racine Mayor Cory Mason said she is a pillar of the Uptown community.

"Our hearts ache for her and her whole family," Mason said.

Police said a 28-year-old woman was also hit, but is expected to survive. On Sunday, FOX6 News also found 40 shekel casings three blocks away from the fatal shooting.

"This cannot stand as the new normal for the City of Racine. Gun violence cannot be tolerated in the City of Racine," Mayor Mason said. "We have to support the Racine Police Department and its efforts to keep the community safe."

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The chief said his department is investigating whether the two shooting scenes are connected.

"There's no strategy for random violence. There's no strategy for senseless violence. Nobody has a plan for that," Robinson said. 

Racine police officials say they have seen a 49% increase in shots fired calls for service. Chief Robinson said Racine is not alone in this troubling trend.

"If you look around our country this week, just this weekend, random shootings in Milwaukee and the Deer District, ten people killed going to the grocery store in Buffalo, a church shooting this weekend. There's no plan for that. You cannot plan for that," Robinson said.

"These are ping ponging interactions. One person harms another person, and that harm escalates to someone else being harmed," said Racine City Council President John Tate. "My background being a social worker, I know that trauma creates more trauma if it's not healthfully addressed."

The police chief stressed combating crimes like this starts with individuals taking action.

"If you are a parent, and you believe your juvenile's got a gun at home, call the Racine Police Department. We'll come and get your gun," the chief said. "We need everybody to be engaged in this. If you hear shots fired, you need to call us, so we know to respond."

If you have information that could help police solve this case, you are encouraged to reach out to the department or Crime Stoppers at 888-636-9330. You can also visit racine.crimestoppersweb.com or text RACS plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Remember, you can remain anonymous.

A vigil honoring Racine homicide victims is scheduled for Tuesday night, May 17 – near the MLK Community Center. Those who would like to help with funeral arrangements for Terrance Blair are invited to make a donation through Cash App: $Yogispudn.