'It needs to stop:' Woman arrested, others sought after 2-year-old girl fatally shot in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police arrested a 24-year-old woman after a 2-year-old girl was fatally shot on the city's northwest side Tuesday night, July 21 -- leaving the neighborhood heartbroken.
The victim was identified Wednesday as Zymeiia Stevens. Police said they are looking for several others as persons of interest.
"I'm sad," said Leslie Brand. "It's very sad. We're tired of seeing our children's lives snuffed away from them."
Police said Stevens died on her way to the hospital after the shooting near 105th Street and Daphne Street.
"We don't want kids dying from senseless gun violence," said Jalee Varnado. "I feel bad for the family. I feel sorry for everybody."
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. Police did not reveal the relationship between the woman who was arrested and the victim.
"I am a parent to three children, two of which are girls, and they both are 2 years old, just like the girl who was killed last night," said Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson. "Just tragic. A tragic situation all the way around."
Johnson said the gun violence is unacceptable.
Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson
"This is problem that has to be fixed not just with city solutions -- with state solutions," said Johnson.
Back on 105th Street, neighbors want change, too.
"It needs to stop," said Varnado. "It needs to end. All of it. It needs to end."
Statement from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett:
“When we lose any child in this city, it is a tragedy and it is especially tragic when the death is the result of gun violence. Those responsible must be held accountable. Gun violence particularly this year is hitting our families and our neighborhoods hard. I know Milwaukee residents share my outrage at this senseless violence. My heart goes out to the family and to the neighbors."