Shooting on Milwaukee's north side; 9-year-old boy dead

MILWAUKEE - A 9-year-old child is dead following a shooting on Milwaukee's north side. The child has been identified as Jonael Zambrano.  

The shooting happened around 12:05 a.m. Thursday, June 13 at the Woodlands Apartment complex – located near Swan Road and Fairy Chasm Drive.

The child's parents tell FOX6 News someone was firing a gun in the backyard. Bullets shattered the glass of an upstairs window, striking Zambrano.

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The boy was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He died as a result of his injuries.

"He was a very happy and friendly kid. He was so fun," said Maynor Antunez, Zambrano’s cousin.

Now, he says that light is replaced with pain and questioning.

"It’s very difficult, especially for my aunt. She’s so devastated," added Antunez.

Police say Jonael Zambrano was shot and killed around midnight on Thursday, June 13, at the Woodland Apartments.

Antunez says it happened when they were all in bed. He says suddenly bullets started flying outside.

Some blew through their bedroom windows, hitting his younger cousin.

"Sadly, one shot him in his head that ended his life," added Antunez. "He was just a 9-year-old boy that had his whole future ahead of him. We want justice for him. It’s not fair."

Family says Jonael was always happy, fun, and just going into fifth grade.

Jonael is one of 6 kids killed in Milwaukee this year from gun violence.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson says this is one of the reasons he wants people to reach out to leaders in Madison to change gun laws.

"It’s terrible. I mean, these are things that should not happen. Ask them that question and what they are doing to protect kids in this city," said Mayor Johnson.

Jonael's family is pushing through the pain, saying he didn't deserve this, and they want those responsible to pay.

"We hope they catch those responsible and lock them up. We want them in jail because what they did isn’t fair," said Antunez.

Jonael's family has a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral arrangements.

No arrests have been made. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips. 

It's the latest death in a string of gun violence involving children across the city. Six kids have been shot and killed this year. Police say that number is slightly down from this time last year – when eight kids died due to gun violence.

Reaction

Milwaukee Alderwoman Larresa Taylor

"I was devastated to learn that early Thursday morning a 9-year-old was shot and killed near an apartment complex on the city’s north side. This is truly tragic, and my thoughts are with the grieving family at this time.

"This is also infuriating. Far too many young people have been subject to gun violence, and this is the second child who was shot in the 9th Aldermanic District this year. It is infuriating because all gun-related deaths are avoidable, and it is incumbent upon us to do better to ensure our children are not in harm’s way. Our children must know that our community cares about them, and wants them to thrive.

"We must also continue to ensure our children have access to safe spaces, and that the community at large has access to the emotional and mental support services to assist when events like this happen. It is hard to properly state how the death of a young child can reverberate throughout an area, and the proper support can make a meaningful impact. For those affected, you can receive assistance by calling the city’s Mobile Trauma Response Team (MPD), at 414-257-7621 or by contacting Milwaukee County’s 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line at 414-257-7222."