Milwaukee Tragedy: Mother and Uncle Charged After 6-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot in Apparent Household Negligence and Gun Mishandling
MILWAUKEE, WI — April 7, 2025 — A devastating and deeply unsettling incident on Milwaukee’s north side has led to criminal charges against two family members following the tragic death of a 6-year-old boy on April 1. The child’s mother, Daquela Collins, and his uncle, Quintell Collins, are now facing serious charges after investigators say their recklessness and failure to secure firearms created a deadly environment in their home.
What Happened on April 1st?
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 1st, Milwaukee emergency services received a frantic 911 call from Alesia Collins, the boy’s grandmother, who reported a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound to her grandson. “I think my grandson shot himself,” she told the dispatcher. The tragic incident unfolded in the living room of their shared residence near North 51st Street and West Marion Avenue.
When first responders arrived at the home, they found the child unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head. A grey semi-automatic Palmetto State Armory 9mm handgun was found next to him on the floor. The child was transported for emergency care but was later pronounced dead.
Charges and Allegations
Following a thorough investigation, prosecutors have now filed charges:
- Quintell Collins, the boy’s uncle who lived in the home’s basement, is charged with second-degree reckless homicide, possession of a firearm by a felon, and additional weapons-related offenses.
- Daquela Collins, the boy’s mother, is charged with Neglecting a Child – Consequence is Death, as well as alleged straw purchasing of firearms for her brother, a convicted felon who is legally prohibited from possessing guns.
Disturbing Evidence Emerges
Investigators uncovered troubling details that shed light on how preventable this tragedy may have been.
According to a criminal complaint, Daquela Collins was away from home at the time of the incident. However, she had earlier received an Instagram video from Quintell that showed him rapping while holding two handguns. Her young son was visible in the background — asleep on the couch. The casual display of firearms in proximity to a child deeply disturbed authorities.
Police noted in their report:
“Despite observing a video of her convicted felon brother brandishing two firearms in a reckless fashion while rapping with [Daquela’s] six-year-old son on the couch in the background, [Daquela] did not leave her boyfriend’s residence and rush home to ensure the safety of [her son].”
Instead, she texted Quintell, telling him to “put my s— down.” His response was a laughing emoji.
After the shooting, surveillance footage from an alley near the family’s home showed Quintell hiding something under a City of Milwaukee garbage can. Police recovered a loaded Springfield Armory XD 9mm handgun from the scene — raising further concerns about illegal possession and disposal of firearms.
History of Violence and Criminal Behavior
This incident is not the first time Quintell Collins has come into contact with law enforcement. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a dangerous police chase after he crashed a stolen Hyundai into a light pole near Mayfair Mall. These convictions already barred him from legally possessing firearms, and investigators believe his sister knowingly assisted him by purchasing weapons on his behalf — a crime known as a straw purchase.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), straw purchases are illegal and often linked to gun trafficking and violent crime. Convictions for this offense can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000.
Text message exchanges between Daquela and Quintell further implicate her in orchestrating these firearm purchases.
In interviews, Daquela told police she bought the firearm found near her son’s body for personal protection, stating her brother “be into it with people.” But that rationale is now under intense scrutiny given her brother’s history of reckless and criminal behavior.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The heartbreaking death of an innocent child — allegedly due to the negligence and criminal conduct of the very people meant to protect him — has shaken the Milwaukee community. Local leaders and child advocates have condemned the incident as yet another tragic reminder of the consequences of unsecure firearms and unchecked gun access.
Police arrested Quintell on April 3 after he led officers on another dangerous high-speed chase through the city, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has vowed to pursue justice for the young boy. More charges may be forthcoming as the investigation unfolds.
The child’s name has not yet been released publicly, out of respect for surviving family members and in accordance with standard procedures for child victims.
This is a developing story. Authorities continue to investigate the full timeline of events, including whether additional individuals may have contributed to the chain of negligence and criminality that led to the child’s death.
Updates will be provided as more details become available.