Tragedy in Milwaukee: 19-Year-Old Zakiy Robertson Identified as Victim of Fatal Shooting Near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
MILWAUKEE, WI — A Milwaukee community is reeling with grief following the tragic shooting death of 19-year-old Zakiy Robertson, who was fatally shot Wednesday night near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and North Avenue. Family members have identified Robertson as the victim, and described him as a bright young man with dreams of building a better future—dreams that were senselessly cut short.
The incident occurred during the evening hours, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, but despite their efforts, Zakiy was pronounced dead. The Milwaukee Police Department has launched an active investigation into the shooting, but no arrests have been made as of Thursday evening.
A Life Full of Promise
Friends and family describe Zakiy as a shining light—a young man with a warm smile, a kind heart, and a strong sense of purpose. Though just 19, he had already set his sights on a career as a barber, hoping to not only master his craft but also open a barbershop one day and use it as a way to uplift his community.
“Zakiy wanted to bring people together,” said a close friend. “He had a natural way of making people feel good about themselves, whether it was through a haircut, a joke, or just listening. He had big dreams and a beautiful soul.”
Family members shared that Zakiy was deeply committed to his loved ones and had been actively working toward enrolling in a local barber training program. He was described as hardworking, loyal, and full of potential.
A Community in Mourning
The shooting has left Zakiy’s family devastated and the surrounding neighborhood deeply shaken. As tributes and memorials begin to appear at the site of the shooting, many are demanding justice and calling for an end to the cycle of gun violence that continues to claim young lives in Milwaukee and beyond.
“We lost someone with so much promise,” said a community advocate. “This wasn’t just a headline—this was someone’s son, someone’s friend, someone’s future.”
Local activists and residents have organized a small candlelight vigil to honor Zakiy’s memory, with plans for a larger community gathering to follow. Flowers, candles, and hand-written notes have been left at the scene, turning the corner into an impromptu memorial site.
Ongoing Investigation
Milwaukee police are urging anyone who may have seen something or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward. They are asking the public to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers is available at 414-224-TIPS, and tips can also be submitted through the P3 Tips app.
Authorities have not released details regarding a motive or potential suspects, but investigators are working diligently to follow leads and review any surveillance footage that may shed light on the events that led to Zakiy’s death.
A Call for Change
Zakiy’s death is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the ongoing toll that gun violence takes on families and neighborhoods. His story, like so many others, underscores the urgent need for community-led solutions, youth mentorship, and access to education and career training that give young people alternatives to the streets.
In the words of one family member: “He had so much ahead of him. He just needed time. And now we’ll never get to see all he could have become.”
As Milwaukee mourns yet another young life lost to violence, Zakiy Robertson is remembered not for the tragedy of his passing, but for the light, love, and dreams he carried with him. The community he left behind now carries the responsibility of honoring his memory by working for peace, justice, and hope.
Rest in peace, Zakiy. Your light continues to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
