Milwaukee in Mourning: Community Devastated After Double Homicide Claims Two Lives Near 27th and Atkinson

Milwaukee in Mourning: Community Devastated After Double Homicide Claims Two Lives Near 27th and Atkinson

MILWAUKEE, WI — October 21, 2025 — The city of Milwaukee is reeling in grief after a tragic double shooting on Sunday night claimed the lives of two community members near the intersection of 27th Street and Atkinson Avenue. The victims, identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office as 50-year-old Sandra Lee and 64-year-old Marcus Smith, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting occurred around 9:20 p.m. on October 20th, turning an otherwise quiet evening into one filled with chaos, heartbreak, and disbelief.

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the area shortly after 9 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered two individuals suffering from fatal gunshot wounds near a parked vehicle. Despite immediate medical attention from first responders, neither victim could be revived.

Investigators say the incident appears to have been targeted, though a motive has not yet been confirmed. Detectives are canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and interviewing potential witnesses in hopes of piecing together what led to the deadly shooting. No arrests have been announced as of Tuesday morning, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

A Neighborhood Stunned by Violence

The area around 27th and Atkinson has long been known as a busy crossroads—lined with local shops, homes, and everyday life. But on Sunday night, flashing police lights and crime scene tape transformed it into the latest backdrop of Milwaukee’s growing struggle with gun violence.

Residents described hearing multiple gunshots echo through the night, followed by the wail of sirens as police and paramedics flooded the intersection. By Monday morning, a makeshift memorial had begun to take shape—candles, flowers, and handwritten notes marking the spot where Sandra Lee and Marcus Smith lost their lives.

“It’s heartbreaking. This isn’t just another news story; these are real people,” said Patricia Jones, a nearby resident who lives just a block away. “We’re tired of waking up to this kind of pain. It’s time for something to change.”

Remembering Sandra Lee and Marcus Smith

Family and friends have described Sandra Lee as a warm, compassionate woman who radiated positivity and love wherever she went. A mother and grandmother, Sandra was known for her generosity and the way she looked out for her neighbors. “She was always checking on people, making sure everyone was okay,” one friend shared. “She had a heart of gold.”

Marcus Smith, 64, was remembered as a gentle soul and lifelong Milwaukee resident who loved jazz music, fishing, and helping others. Friends say he was a man of few words but endless kindness—a person who found purpose in taking care of those around him. “Marcus was the kind of man you could count on,” said a longtime friend. “He’d mow a neighbor’s lawn or fix your car just because he wanted to help.”

Their sudden deaths have left their families shattered and the community searching for answers.

A City Searching for Peace

The double homicide adds to a troubling pattern of violence that has continued to impact Milwaukee in 2025. City leaders and community advocates are once again calling for action, emphasizing that each life lost is not just a statistic, but a story cut short.

“This can’t become our norm,” said Reverend Darryl Williams, who leads an anti-violence initiative in the area. “We’re losing mothers, fathers, and grandparents to senseless acts. The violence must stop, and it starts with us—coming together as a community, demanding accountability, and investing in prevention.”

Police have increased patrols in the neighborhood in an effort to deter further violence and reassure residents shaken by the tragedy. Authorities stress that they are working around the clock to identify suspects and bring justice for Sandra and Marcus.

Honoring Their Memory

A candlelight vigil is being organized by family and friends for Wednesday evening at the intersection of 27th and Atkinson, where the community will gather to remember Sandra Lee and Marcus Smith, share stories, and call for peace. Community leaders and clergy are expected to attend, urging unity and healing during this difficult time.

As Milwaukee grieves, residents are reminded that behind every act of violence lies a ripple effect—families torn apart, communities traumatized, and futures stolen. But amid the sorrow, there remains a glimmer of solidarity, as neighbors and loved ones come together to honor the lives of those lost.