Milwaukee Tragedy: Tezz Carter, 28, Fatally Shot on 29th and Hampton—City Shaken by Another Act of Gun Violence
Milwaukee, WI – June 18, 2025 — A Milwaukee neighborhood is grieving following the tragic death of 28-year-old Tezz Carter, who was fatally shot Wednesday evening near 29th Street and Hampton Avenue. The shooting, which occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m., has once again underscored the growing urgency surrounding gun violence in the city.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find Carter suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made, and investigators are actively pursuing leads.
A Life Remembered
Tezz Carter was more than a name in a headline. Friends, family, and neighbors say he was a bright, loyal, and complex young man who had been working to create a better path for himself. His death has left loved ones reeling, particularly those who saw him not just as a friend, but as family in the truest sense.
Among those mourning is his cousin, BuiltBy JayDub, who shared an emotional tribute reflecting the pain of loss and the deep bond they shared:
“I usually don’t speak too much on my personal life but I love you, bro. Rest easy. You could have talked to me like you always do, but it’s not for me to be selfish when you were the one in pain in silence.
I lost six friends back-to-back, and now my first cousin—more like a brother. Even though I’m older, you looked out and taught me things I never spoke on. You were like my notebook, and I was yours. You never judged me but always kept it real.
Now I’m forced to close my notebook and lay my baby cousin to rest.”
These words reflect the emotional toll not only on the Carter family but on a community increasingly traumatized by ongoing violence.
A Community On Edge
Witnesses reported hearing a rapid series of gunshots before neighbors rushed to safety. “It was just before dark. I heard shots and then screaming. It’s terrifying because this is where our children play,” said Tonya Simmons, a mother who lives a block away from the scene.
Police cordoned off the area and remained on the scene into the night, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. As of Thursday morning, the department has not released further details regarding a suspect or motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Ongoing Crisis of Gun Violence
Tezz Carter’s death adds to the growing list of young lives lost to gun violence in Milwaukee this year. Community advocates and local leaders continue to stress the need for more proactive measures—ranging from youth programs and trauma support to conflict resolution and community policing.
“This can’t be our normal,” said Tasha Rollins, a local activist and founder of a violence prevention initiative. “Tezz was a young man with a future. He should still be here. Our communities are exhausted by the grief and fear.”
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for unity, support systems, and stronger investment in underserved neighborhoods where violence is all too common.
A Vigil for Tezz
Community members are organizing a candlelight vigil on Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the corner of 29th and Hampton. The event will serve as a space for healing, reflection, and remembrance of Tezz Carter—a young man described as loyal, wise, and protective of those he loved.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation continues, one truth remains clear: Tezz Carter was deeply loved. His death is not just a tragedy for his family, but a loss for Milwaukee—a city still grappling with how to stop the violence that takes so many, so young.
His story is a reminder that behind every crime scene are memories, relationships, and dreams that now go unfulfilled. In the wake of this loss, the community comes together not just in grief, but in hope that Tezz’s name will inspire change—not just mourning.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
If you have any information regarding this incident, contact Milwaukee Police or Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-8477. All tips are anonymous.