A nine-year-old boy from Milwaukee, Wisconsin was shot and killed in his home early Thursday morning, June 13, 2024, marking the fourth young gunshot victim in the city in recent weeks. The boy, identified as Jonael Zambrano, was shot at approximately midnight in a condo complex located in the 9000 block of North Swan Road. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.
Jonael Zambrano was a student at Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy. According to family members, shots were fired from outside the apartment building, piercing through the walls and striking him in the head while he was in bed. His sister and cousin, who were in the room with him, were not harmed.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the incident during a press conference, expressing his sorrow and frustration over the shooting. “Incidents like this should never occur,” Johnson stated. “It is unimaginable that on the night before summer break, a child should lose their life due to gunfire.”
Residents of the Woodlands Condos, where the shooting occurred, reported hearing multiple shots and immediately contacted the police. Many residents have expressed concerns over the increasing crime in the complex, attributing it to the absence of security guards after the local homeowners association discontinued their services.
Milwaukee police are actively searching for the unknown suspects involved in the shooting. Captain Warren Allen Jr. stated that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Jonael’s death is part of a troubling pattern of gun violence involving children in Milwaukee. “On May 31, a bullet fired from an upper-level unit struck ten-year-old Isdennyeliz Ortiz as she slept in her bed.” Ortiz’s cousin has been charged with second-degree reckless homicide in connection with the shooting. Additionally, on May 17, 15-year-olds Alejandro Sanchez and Monroe Weso were shot and killed, with 15-year-old Christopher N. Scott charged in their deaths.
Larresa Taylor, a member of Milwaukee’s Common Council representing the 9th Aldermanic District, where Jonael was killed, issued a statement emphasizing the need for action to prevent further tragedies. “Too many young people have experienced gun violence,” Taylor stated. “It’s frustrating because every gun-related death is preventable, and we must do more to protect our children from danger.”
The city’s struggle with gun violence is reflected in its homicide statistics. So far in 2024, Milwaukee has reported 51 homicides, a decrease from the 65 reported during the same period last year. Nevertheless, despite the decline, the recent spate of shootings involving children has raised alarms within the community.
Jonael’s death also comes amid ongoing discussions about improving public safety in Milwaukee. The community mourns another young life lost to gun violence, hoping that increased awareness and proactive efforts will help prevent future tragedies.