MPD identifies victim, suspect in officer-involved shooting; 4 officers on administrative leave

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police released new information on Monday, July 25th related to a series of events that unfolded near 5th and Clarke on the city's north side early Saturday, July 23rd. An argument between two neighbors led to both of their deaths. One man was stabbed and killed, and the knife-wielding suspect was then shot by police.

Duplex near 5th and Clarke

Austin Howard

Officials say the two men involved in the deadly dispute were neighbors in the same duplex. Police were called to a home after 49-year-old Austin Howard stabbed to death the downstairs neighbor, 64-year-old Willie Williams.

Willie Williams

Howard initially left the scene before officers arrived. But officials say he returned a couple of hours later and ran at officers with a knife. Officers fatally shot Howard.

Howard's son says he wishes officers could have arrested his father without deadly force.

"He had a victim. He hurt somebody else and that was terrible. But right now, the 'shoot to kill' mentality right now that the officers have, it's horrible -- and it's spinning across the country right now. Unfortunately, it doesn't excuse the fact of what he did," said Marquice Howard.

Marquice Howard

One witness told FOX6 News on Saturday that the two neighbors argued over money. Another said they may have argued about a woman Howard was quarreling with.

Memorial for Willie Williams

FOX6 News read message of love on a memorial for Williams at the scene -- as Howard's son sent his own condolences, saying what his father did was not excusable.

Court records show Howard was on probation for a recent strangulation charge. He was not allowed to have any weapon. His son remembers him differently.

Memorial for Willie Williams

Austin Howard

"He was the protector of the family. He was a hard worker. He worked hard at whatever he did. He had his issues. He wasn't perfect. But he didn't deserve to die like that," said Marquice Howard.

The Milwaukee police officers involved in the shooting are a 34-year-old man with one year of service, a 32-year-old man with nine years of service, a 29-year-old with three years of service, and a 29-year-old man with 10 years of service.

All of the officers are assigned to District Five and remain on administrative leave per standard procedure.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation continues its investigation.