Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee community is reeling after the tragic death of 11-year-old Deon Thomas, who was fatally shot Tuesday evening near the 5500 block of North 68th Street. What should have been a normal evening turned into heartbreak for a family and a city already weary of violence.
A Life Cut Short
Around 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, officers rushed to reports of gunfire on North 68th Street. When they arrived, they found young Deon suffering from serious gunshot wounds to his cheek and head.
He was quickly transported to Children’s Wisconsin Hospital, where doctors and nurses fought to save him. Despite their efforts, Deon was pronounced dead that night.
The news has left his family devastated. His father, Bam Thomas, is now enduring the unbearable pain of losing his child. Friends say Bam has been overwhelmed with grief, asking for prayers and strength as he navigates the unimaginable.
A Family’s Grief, A Community’s Pain
For those who knew Deon, the loss feels unreal. Neighbors described him as a bright, kind-hearted boy whose smile could light up a room. “He was just a kid, full of energy and life,” one family friend said. “Now that light has been taken from us.”
Late into the night, members of the community gathered at the scene, leaving candles, balloons, and stuffed animals in a growing memorial. Many stood in silence, some in tears, while others prayed for the Thomas family.
“This is not just Bam’s loss, it’s a loss for all of us,” a neighbor added. “No child should have to die like this.”
Searching for Answers
The Milwaukee Police Department has opened a full investigation into the shooting. Detectives are speaking with witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and working to determine exactly what happened and why.
As of Wednesday morning, police had not released information about possible suspects or motives. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, stressing that the community’s help could be key in finding justice for Deon.
Remembering Deon
At just 11 years old, Deon’s life was only beginning. He was a son, a friend, and a boy with dreams — dreams that will now never be realized.
Faith leaders across Milwaukee are calling for unity and compassion in the wake of his death. “We must come together not just in grief, but in action,” one pastor said. “Deon’s life mattered. We cannot let his memory be forgotten.”
A Call for Healing
The pain of losing Deon is heavy, but the outpouring of support for the Thomas family shows that the community is standing with them. Friends, neighbors, and strangers alike are lifting Bam and his loved ones in prayer, hoping to bring them comfort during this time of unimaginable sorrow.
Our hearts are with the Thomas family. May Deon be remembered for the joy he brought to those around him, and may his memory inspire healing, love, and peace.