MILWAUKEE – A local man has received a lengthy prison sentence for a shooting incident that left a 15-year-old boy dead and injured five others. Romello Littlejohn, sentenced to 25 years behind bars on January 23, 2023, will also serve an additional 20 years under extended supervision.
Court documents reveal that Littlejohn, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, faced multiple charges, including first-degree reckless homicide and four counts of first-degree reckless injury. A jury convicted him of all counts in December, and he has since filed a notice of intent to seek post-conviction relief.
The tragic shooting occurred on March 20, 2023, near 15th and Concordia. The victim, Davion Patterson, succumbed to injuries inflicted by numerous gunshot wounds. Five women, aged 18 to 22, were also injured in the incident and required hospitalization.
According to a criminal complaint, police discovered approximately 30 bullet casings at the scene, indicating the possibility of multiple firearms being involved. Investigators determined that the gunfire erupted as tensions rose over a planned altercation between groups.
Prosecutors indicated that one witness reported an impending fight linked to a dispute over a romantic relationship, while another stated that Littlejohn had threatened anyone who approached someone involved. The confrontation reportedly lasted only seconds before gunfire erupted.
Witnesses recounted how Littlejohn fired recklessly into the crowd. They helped identify him as the shooter when presented with a photo lineup. Based on witness statements and the positioning of individuals during the incident, authorities concluded that Littlejohn was among the assailants targeting the crowd.
Initially, Littlejohn denied being present at the scene, claiming he remained at home throughout the night. However, he later shifted his account, admitting his presence while asserting that he did not possess a weapon or fire shots. As the investigation progressed, he acknowledged having a firearm but insisted he only discharged it into the air.
Furthermore, law enforcement discovered a text message on Littlejohn’s cellphone, sent on the night of the shooting, stating, “I shot (victim’s name).” This revelation added a crucial element to the case against him.
As the community grapples with the fallout from this incident, the case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and gun-related crime in Milwaukee. With Littlejohn now behind bars, the impact of his actions will resonate for years, serving as a somber reminder of the challenges law enforcement and communities face in combating such incidents.