A weeknight in downtown Kenosha turned deadly yesterday when a Bradford High School student was killed and two Indian Trail High School students were wounded in a shooting, according to officials. Police say the gunfire broke out shortly before 8 p.m. near 6th Avenue and the 600 block of 60th Street, where officers arrived to find three teenagers suffering from injuries and immediately began lifesaving efforts. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the two others were taken to a hospital for treatment. The Kenosha Police Department is treating the case as an active homicide investigation, although officers say there is no known ongoing threat to the wider community.
Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss sent a letter to families that mixed condolences with a promise of support for shaken students. "Our hearts and thoughts are with the families directly impacted by this tragedy. We ask that you keep our students, their families, and our entire school community in your thoughts during this difficult time," Weiss wrote, as reported by FOX6 Milwaukee. The district said it would bring in additional police presence at the impacted schools on Thursday and urged families to make use of counseling and other support resources.
What police say
Kenosha police said officers were dispatched at about 7:55 p.m. and found three teenage victims when they arrived. First responders attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before the surviving teens were transported. Investigators also said a person of interest was taken into custody, and detectives spent the night interviewing witnesses and canvassing the surrounding blocks, according to Spectrum News.
Schools and safety steps
The district labeled the shooting an isolated incident and said counselors would be ready to meet with students as they grapple with the news. In its message to families, the Kenosha Unified School District urged parents and guardians to reinforce the "see something, say something" approach at home, and said extra officers would be visible at affected campuses on Thursday, as reported by FOX6 Milwaukee.
Investigation ongoing
Detectives have asked residents and nearby businesses to comb through their doorbell and security camera footage for anything that might help explain what happened and who was involved, and to share any potential leads with Kenosha police. Spectrum News reports investigators requested that anyone with information call the department tip line at 262-605-5203. Police say the investigation remains active.
Community context
The fact that students from two Kenosha high schools are at the center of this case has reignited concern about youth violence and school safety in the city. In recent years, Kenosha schools have dealt with hoax threats and other security scares, and local coverage has shown the district leaning on lockdown protocols and counseling support after such incidents, as previously reported by WTMJ.
