Milwaukee police: Photographer of Sweet 16 party shot, killed
MILWAUKEE - It was supposed to be a Sweet 16 party, but the gathering in Milwaukee was anything but.
Milwaukee police are investigating the fatal shooting of the party's photographer -- who was killed outside of that celebration near Fond du Lac Avenue and Ridge Court.
Robb Smith, 32, owned R & Z Urban Art Gallery in Walker's Point with his wife, Zena. She says he will be remembered for both his art and his message.
"It just. It just can’t be the same. It just won’t be," Smith said.
Robb Smith
Zena Smith is the "Z" behind the gallery's name; the "R" was her husband. Robb Smith wore his "Art Saved Me" mission proudly on his jacket.
"Art was Robb’s passion because it took him out of a dark place in life," said Smith. "We wanted a place where you could come and paint, and artists of all kinds can express themselves."
R & Z Urban Art Gallery
Robb Smith was doing what he loved on Friday night -- photography -- taking photos for a Sweet 16. Police said he stepped outside of the venue around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when someone walked up and shot him.
"Robb didn’t have a problem with nobody. That wasn’t his personality. It’s just senseless," Smith said.
Robb Smith
Smith says her husband's death is a loss for the entire Milwaukee community.
"They lost a great father. A terrific husband. An amazing son. A proud man. Robb was so much more than his art, but his art made him so much more," said Smith.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips App.
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips App.
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