A Milwaukee County jury on Friday convicted 33-year-old Kwon Burdine in a deadly Friendsgiving shooting that turned a holiday gathering into a crime scene. Burdine was found guilty in the November 21, 2024 shooting that killed 25-year-old Nasif Bowie and left a 23-year-old friend seriously wounded. He is scheduled to be sentenced in May, and loved ones in the courtroom were visibly emotional as the verdict was read, as reported by FOX6.
Prosecutors told jurors that Burdine opened fire during an argument at a house near Congress and Houston. As part of their case, they played a portion of a 911 call. Witnesses testified that Burdine shot both victims, left the home, then returned and fired again, according to FOX6.
Prosecutors' account
Charging documents and trial testimony say Burdine arrived at the Friendsgiving gathering drinking, then accused other guests of stealing his money and refused to let people leave. He told investigators he had brought a gun because he had just won $10,000 and that "this was Milwaukee," according to The Independent. Funeral records show that Bowie died on November 21 at age 25, a detail family members have repeated in court, per Paradise Memorial Funeral Home.
Arrest and evidence
Authorities say Burdine fled the scene after the shooting and was arrested days later at a residence in Green Bay. Officers there recovered a Glock 9mm handgun. Detectives also found nine spent 9mm casings at the Milwaukee home. Those details appear in charging reports and were summarized by CrimeOnline.
Family reaction
Family members cried as the guilty verdict was announced. Bowie's mother told reporters, "Some families don't get this. Some families are still looking for the killer," and said the outcome would bring "a little more peace," according to FOX6. Loved ones described Bowie as a young man who had plans to go into real estate and said they hope the judge imposes the maximum sentence.
Legal next steps
Burdine was convicted on counts that include first-degree reckless homicide, first-degree reckless injury and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony, with habitual criminality allegations attached. Those charges are outlined in published charging documents and reporting by CrimeOnline. His sentencing is scheduled for May as the district attorney's office prepares for disposition.
