Milwaukee, WI — A tragic incident unfolded in a Milwaukee apartment building, resulting in the fatal shooting of a man identified as Charles Williams and the subsequent arrest of 33-year-old Terry Jefferson, who now faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide with an additional dangerous weapon modifier. The shooting occurred near 27th and Highland on February 26, a bustling area that witnessed an unexpected act of violence.
According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson allegedly shot Williams multiple times during what was initially a routine activity, as Williams was reportedly helping Jefferson move into his new apartment. If convicted, Jefferson could face a life sentence due to the severity of the charge.
The details of the incident came to light when Milwaukee police, already present in the building on unrelated business, were startled by the sound of gunfire around 5 p.m. An investigation quickly ensued, revealing a grim scene on the second floor of the apartment complex where Williams lay bleeding beside Jefferson, who was arrested at the scene, still armed.
An autopsy later confirmed that Williams succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. The officers at the scene attempted life-saving measures before Williams was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Eyewitness accounts have been crucial in piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. One adjacent apartment resident reported hearing the initial gunshot and observed Jefferson standing over Williams with a firearm. The witness’s statement indicated confusion and disbelief as Jefferson claimed that Williams had shot himself and subsequently took the witness’s phone to call for medical help.
Adding to the complexity of the case, security footage captured by a Ring camera corroborated the witness’s testimony, showing Williams incapacitated on the ground shortly after the first gunshot. Another eyewitness recounted hearing Williams plead as Jefferson manipulated the firearm and fired several more shots.
During police interrogation, Jefferson offered a narrative portraying the shooting as a defensive act. He claimed Williams attempted to seize Jefferson’s firearm as they exited the elevator, prompting Jefferson to react. After an initial shot, which Jefferson said jammed his gun, he managed to clear the weapon and fire several more rounds as he felt threatened by Williams’ continued approach.
The evidence collected at the scene included a black Taurus .45 caliber handgun and eight shell casings, which will play a critical role in the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
Jefferson’s initial court appearance was on March 2, where a judge set his bail at $200,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11, which will likely offer further insights into this harrowing event.
This incident raises numerous questions about safety and security in residential settings, highlighting the potential for sudden violence even in mundane circumstances. As the community grapples with the shock of the event, authorities continue to investigate, promising thorough scrutiny of the circumstances that led to this fatal encounter.