Milwaukee, WI – In a tragic incident described by police as a “wild west-style shootout,” a promising young nurse aspirant was fatally wounded along with a teenage boy during a violent barrage of 110 bullets fired from 11 different guns in just 20 seconds. The shooting, which erupted outside a party at a Milwaukee strip mall, has led to charges against three teenagers allegedly involved in the deadly chaos.
Authorities say the senseless violence unfolded late on June 20 at the strip mall located at 8223 W. Brown Deer Rd., shattering a night meant for celebration. The loss of 19-year-old Bre’nee Veasley, a college student on the verge of starting her nursing career, has shocked the community and left families devastated.
The Chaotic Shootout That Shook Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Police Department responded to a reported shooting around 11 p.m. where they found Veasley suffering from a critical gunshot wound to her abdomen. Despite first responders’ efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Alongside Veasley, 17-year-old Kingston Liphford was also fatally shot, and three other teenagers, aged 14, 15, and 17, sustained injuries.
Investigators detailed the harrowing nature of the attack, noting that the gunfire was concentrated in three distinct areas, underscoring the chaos of a “wild west-style shootout.” Surveillance footage revealed the initial volley was fired from an automatic weapon. The entire hailstorm of bullets—totaling 110 shots fired from 11 guns—lasted only 20 seconds.
Eyewitness Account and the Lead-Up to Violence
A witness who attended the party with Veasley described walking out into the parking lot where they saw a man in a ski mask brandishing a firearm. When the witness asked him to put the weapon away due to fear, the masked individual allegedly opened fire, sparking the violent shootout. The witness took cover under vehicles and later witnessed Veasley had been shot.
Further statements obtained by detectives revealed that the shooting was allegedly started by Earl Williams III, 17, who was reported to have a semi-automatic gun modified to fire automatically. Williams reportedly believed rival gang members were present and initiated gunfire.
Arrests, Charges, and Ongoing Investigation
Williams now faces grave charges including:
- Felony murder
- Attempted first-degree intentional homicide
- Possessing a machine gun
His alleged accomplices, Jardan Anderson (18) and Isiah Daniels (17), face charges of harboring and aiding a felon. Daniels reportedly indicated Williams had the modified firearm, and Anderson admitted to spray-painting the getaway vehicle to evade police detection.
The incident escalated again 17 days after the shooting during a weapons-related confrontation where Williams was apprehended with the modified Glock 23 firearm that had been used in the shooting.
“A 19-year-old with her whole life ahead of her. A college student. A nurse, taken the night before her first day saving lives. She wasn’t in trouble. She was simply trying to enjoy her time out of school at a teen party.” – from a GoFundMe tribute for Bre’nee Veasley
While police do not believe Williams fired the fatal shots that killed Veasley directly, prosecutors contend he caused her death by initiating the lethal shootout. Williams remains in Milwaukee County Jail on a $300,000 bond, while Anderson and Daniels have reportedly bonded out. Court dates are pending for all three, with Williams scheduled for an upcoming hearing.
The Community Mourns a Bright Future Cut Short
Veasley, a remarkable student with a sustained 4.0 GPA, was preparing to embark on a future in nursing, embodying promise and hope. The community and family grieve the loss of a young woman who was a peacemaker and a beacon of light.
This tragedy highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the urgent need for stronger conflict resolution and community safety measures.
For more detailed coverage and updates, see the original report from Law&Crime.
Remembering Bre’nee and Moving Forward
- Remember Veasley’s dedication and academic excellence as a student nurse.
- Recognize the dangers posed by unregulated access to automatic and modified firearms.
- Support calls for community programs aimed at preventing youth gun violence.
What do you think about this tragic shootout? Have you or someone you know been affected by gun violence? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
