Milwaukee, WI – A tragic and chaotic shooting incident at a strip mall party in Milwaukee has left a 19-year-old aspiring nurse dead, caught in the middle of a violent exchange described by local authorities as a “wild west-style shootout.” Police reported that an astonishing 110 bullets were fired from 11 different guns in just 20 seconds, resulting in multiple casualties, including the fatal shooting of Bre’nee Veasley and 17-year-old Kingston Liphford.
The incident, which unfolded on the night of June 20 at 8223 W. Brown Deer Rd., involved three teenagers who now face serious criminal charges related to the deadly shooting. As Milwaukee grapples with this heartbreaking loss, the event underscores increasing concerns around gang violence and public safety in the city.
A Devastating and Rapid Shootout
Police responded to reports of gunfire around 11 p.m., discovering Veasley suffering from a gunshot wound to her abdomen. Despite first responders’ urgent efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Another victim, Liphford, also died, while three other teenagers aged 14, 15, and 17 were injured but survived.
Investigators described the shooting as clustered in three different areas—a hallmark of what they call a “wild west-style shootout.” Surveillance footage captured the initial series of gunfire coming from an automatic weapon, highlighting the extreme and rapid escalation of violence.
- 110 bullets were fired in a mere 20 seconds.
- The gunfire originated from 11 different firearms, including at least one automatic weapon.
- The violence unfolded at a youth party at a Milwaukee strip mall.
Eyewitness Account Reveals Tensions at the Party
A witness present with Veasley described the harrowing moments leading to the shootout. After spending about 20 minutes inside the party, the witness saw Isiah Daniels near a Chevrolet Malibu and then noticed a masked man holding a firearm. The witness asked the masked individual to put the gun away, as it was causing fear.
Moments later, the masked person began firing, igniting the deadly shootout. The witness hid under cars as bullets flew and ultimately saw Veasley had been shot.
Suspects and Charges: The Aftermath Unfolds
Milwaukee police arrested three teenagers linked to the shooting:
- Earl Williams III (17) faces felony murder, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and illegal possession of a machine gun charges.
- Jardan Anderson (18) and Isiah Daniels (17) each face charges of harboring or aiding a felon.
Williams is accused of firing a machine gun with a switch that converts a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic one, responsible for at least 13 shots during the shootout. However, authorities do not believe Williams fired the bullet that killed Veasley but assert he started the violent exchange believing rival gang members were present.
Notably, Anderson and Daniels reportedly aided Williams by driving him away from the scene and attempting to conceal evidence by spray painting the Malibu used during the shooting.
Remembering Bre’nee Veasley: A Life Taken Too Soon
According to a GoFundMe campaign, Bre’nee Veasley was a college student on the cusp of fulfilling her dream to become a nurse. The fundraiser mourned her loss as a “peacemaker” and “a light in our family,” emphasizing her perfect 4.0 GPA and the bright future she never got to experience.
“A 19-year-old with her whole life ahead of her… She did everything right—and still, this city failed to protect her.”
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Williams remains in custody at Milwaukee County Jail on a $300,000 bond, with court appearances scheduled:
- Williams’ next court date is set for Monday.
- Anderson is slated to appear on September 29.
- The next court appearance for Daniels remains unclear.
The shooting has intensified discussions around gun violence and safety measures for Milwaukee’s youth, with authorities vowing to investigate and prosecute those involved fully.
Reflecting on Gun Violence and Its Toll
This tragic shootout illustrates the dangerous consequences of unchecked violence and fragile conflict resolution among youth. What began as an attempt to enjoy a party turned into a deadly confrontation that robbed a promising young nurse and others of their futures.
Key takeaways include:
- The rapid firing of 110 bullets in seconds highlights the extreme lethality of modern firearms and gang conflicts.
- Young individuals, including teenagers, are both perpetrators and victims in these violent exchanges.
- Community efforts and law enforcement continue to battle to improve safety and prevent such tragedies.
The Milwaukee community remains in mourning and hopeful for justice for those affected by this violent event.