Milwaukee saw a violent start to the summer over Memorial Day weekend, with six separate shootings leaving two people dead and several others injured — including a tragic fatality tied to a minor car accident.

Among those killed was 36-year-old Ronte Davis, who was shot outside Union Cemetery on the city’s north side Sunday night, May 25. His godmother, Georgia Thompson, said Davis and his brother had just left a family gathering when their vehicle was involved in a fender bender.

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“Just a car accident. Dude hit his car. His brother got out and asked him for some insurance and he pulled a gun and shot him,” Thompson said to FOX6 Milwaukee. “They’re torn up. His family is torn up.”

According to Milwaukee police, Davis died at the scene. His brother was hospitalized with injuries.

Standing near the scene, Thompson pleaded for change: “It needs to stop. It needs to stop now. These guns ain’t where it’s at. Y’all killing people. Innocent people.”

Citywide Violence on the Rise

The shooting was one of six incidents that took place over the holiday weekend. According to the City of Milwaukee crime dashboard, the city has recorded 47 homicides so far in 2025.

While violence intervention groups like 414 Life have made strides, community leaders say it’s not enough.

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Activist Tracey Dent expressed concern about rising violence as temperatures climb:
“I’m afraid because you know as days get warmer there’s a spike in violence. It happens every year and you know how this year start off is really scares me.”

He emphasized the need for conflict resolution and education at the neighborhood level:
“We gotta start teaching the people in our communities… how to deescalate a situation, and then try to find a positive out of every situation.”

As summer begins, Milwaukee leaders and residents face renewed pressure to prevent further bloodshed in the months ahead.