MILWAUKEE — A 17-year-old girl, now identified as Amera Wallace, was killed and nine other youths injured during a shooting at Dineen Park in Milwaukee Monday morning, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Police said they were called to the scene of the impromptu “car party” at the park on the west side of Milwaukee around 12:30 a.m. on Monday for reports of the shooting.
Witnesses said a group of several dozen people were gathered at the park’s parking lot Sunday night after a social media invitation to the “car party” or the car-focused social meetup. Most were teenagers, according to witnesses.
Investigators said a verbal altercation broke out, followed by a shooting. When officials arrived at the scene, they said they found one victim who had died, eight other shooting victims and another young woman who had suffered upper body injuries from being trampled.
MCSO said all shooting victims who survived were taken to hospitals for treatment. Those injured included a 15-year-old male, five 18-year-old females and two 18-year-old males. The 19-year-old female who was trampled was also treated for nonlife-threatening injuries.
Officials said eight of the victims were in stable condition but that one of the 18-year-old males was in critical condition.
At least two homes were also struck by gunfire on W. Vienna Avenue, but no injuries were reported at either address.
Curtis Nutall lives just a few houses away from where the shooting took place, and has called the neighborhood home for about 25 years. Nutall said the shooting was out of character for the park, where he said issues are rare.
“This is a really nice quiet park, for the most part. For the kids in the summertime it is a little loud but other than that it is a really nice park,” Nutall told Spectrum News 1, as he walked near the scene of the shooting. "We don’t know what went down. That is the concerning part, having an understanding of what is going on right now, nobody is talking about anything, so that is the most important to me."
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley released the following statement in response to the shooting:
“My heart is with all victims of violence, including those harmed in Dineen Park and elsewhere over the weekend. But we know thoughts and prayers are not enough. We all need to do better, and I am calling on community members to cool the temperature and be more peaceful throughout our parks and neighborhoods. There are many residents who are working to foster a safer Milwaukee County, but everyone has a part to play. Violence prevention will not happen without all of us, especially our adults, providing mentorship and serving as positive examples for our young people.
“One area we also need to address is gun violence. These teenagers should not have access to firearms. Period. I am once again calling on Congress and the Wisconsin State Legislature to pass commonsense gun reforms to keep firearms off our streets, out of our parks, and away from our young people.
“Together, we will keep working to deploy real solutions that will improve public safety and reduce violent crime in Milwaukee County.”
Sen. LaTonya Johnson also responded to the shooting, saying in a statement, “As a mom and member of the Milwaukee community, I am devastated for the family and loved ones of the 17-year-old girl who lost her life due to a senseless act of gun violence, and I am praying for those injured and hope they make a full recovery."
“As a legislator, I have pleaded with my Republican colleagues to help me do more to make our communities a safer place. The lives of these young people matter. Our community matters and we deserve the necessary resources to ensure guns stay off of our streets,” she added.
Investigators said there is no motive or clear suspect or suspects at this time. They said they’re working to find out more information, including identifying and locating the suspect or suspects.
MCSO said it will provide updates as it finds out more information.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.