TRAGIC LOSS IN MILWAUKEE: 21-Year-Old Raymond Wilson Jr. Fatally Shot in Downtown Double Shooting; Teen Injured

MILWAUKEE, WI — A community is in mourning following a deadly shooting in downtown Milwaukee that claimed the life of 21-year-old Raymond Wilson Jr. and left a 15-year-old boy injured. The violent incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, July 19, near the intersection of Juneau Avenue and Broadway, close to the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) campus.

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers were called to the scene shortly after 2:10 a.m. following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Raymond Wilson Jr., who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, was in critical condition when first responders arrived. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly thereafter. His death has sent shockwaves through his family and the wider community, who now mourn the loss of a young man described as kind, respectful, and full of life.

The second victim, a 15-year-old male, was shot in the leg. He was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the teen’s identity or whether he had any connection to Wilson.

At this time, the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. Police have not yet identified a suspect, and the motive behind the attack is still unknown. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

The shooting occurred just steps away from the MSOE campus, a location typically known for its vibrant student life and bustling downtown energy. The incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, especially during late-night hours when young people are often out socializing.

Raymond Wilson Jr. was identified by his family, who have since shared messages of grief and love on social media. His relatives described him as a bright young man who had his whole life ahead of him. He was a son, a friend, and a young man with goals—those dreams now forever unfulfilled.

“We are heartbroken beyond words,” a family member wrote online. “Raymond had so much love to give, so much potential. Our family is shattered, but we are holding on to our faith and praying for strength.”

The community is rallying around the Wilson family, offering condolences, prayers, and support as they face this unimaginable loss. A memorial vigil is expected to be organized in the coming days to honor Raymond’s life and call for peace and justice in a city that has seen far too many lives lost to gun violence.

City leaders and anti-violence advocates are again urging Milwaukee residents to come together to address the root causes of these tragedies. Gun violence, they say, is not just a law enforcement issue—it’s a public health crisis, and every life lost is a blow to the entire community.

The Milwaukee Police Department is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with tips or information to contact their offices or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

As loved ones prepare to say goodbye to Raymond Wilson Jr., one message remains clear: his life mattered, and those who knew him will carry his memory forward as they call for justice and an end to the violence that has taken far too many young lives in Milwaukee.