MILWAUKEE — 11-Year-Old Boy Killed in Robbery Remembered for Joy, Leadership, and Love of Football

An 11-year-old boy whose smile, dance moves, and passion for football brought joy to everyone around him was shot and killed Tuesday night in what Milwaukee police describe as a robbery gone tragically wrong. The victim has been identified as Deon “Mister” Sargent, a vibrant young leader whose sudden death has left his family, teammates, and community heartbroken.

The Shooting

According to Milwaukee police, officers were called late Tuesday to the scene of a shooting involving a child. When they arrived, they discovered Sargent suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Authorities said the shooting was connected to a robbery, though they have not released specific details about what led to the confrontation. Police have not yet confirmed whether suspects are in custody but stressed that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Remembering “Mister”

Family members said Deon—affectionately known as “Mister”—was the kind of child who could light up a room simply by walking in. He loved to dance, play football, and make others laugh. His infectious smile, relatives recalled, was his trademark.

“He had a way of lifting everyone up,” said a family member. “Whether it was on the field, at home, or just joking around, he always found a way to make people happy.”

Coaches described him as a natural leader on his youth football team, despite his young age. They noted his determination, sportsmanship, and ability to encourage others, both in practice and during games.

“He wasn’t just playing football—he was teaching us about joy, about energy, about giving your all,” one coach shared. “The way he led by example was something special.”

Community in Mourning

The loss of Deon has sent shockwaves through Milwaukee’s youth sports and school communities. Parents and neighbors gathered Wednesday evening at a makeshift memorial near the site of the shooting, leaving flowers, footballs, candles, and handwritten notes in his honor.

Grief counselors have been made available at his school, where classmates and teachers are struggling to process the sudden and violent loss of someone so young.

Local leaders expressed sorrow over the tragedy while highlighting the urgent need to address the city’s ongoing struggles with youth violence.

Broader Concerns

Deon’s death underscores the broader challenges Milwaukee faces when it comes to gun violence. According to local advocacy groups, children and teenagers remain disproportionately affected by shootings, both as victims and as witnesses to trauma.

Community organizations are calling for greater investment in youth programs, mentorship, and violence prevention initiatives to help protect children from becoming casualties of crime.

“This should never happen to an 11-year-old,” one advocate said. “Kids like Mister deserve to grow up, to dream, to keep playing football. We all have a responsibility to make sure that happens.”

A Life Cut Short

For those who knew him best, Deon “Mister” Sargent will be remembered as a joyful, energetic boy who filled every space with laughter, love, and light. His family says they will carry his spirit with them forever, even as they grapple with unimaginable grief.

“He was only 11, but he lived with so much love,” a loved one said. “We’ll never forget the way he made us feel.”

As police continue their investigation, the community is left mourning the loss of a child whose life was taken far too soon—and vowing to honor his memory by fighting for a safer future.