Police: Father in custody after 5-year-old boy fatally shot; 2nd person held on homicide charges

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales indicated on Monday, Feb. 10 that the father of 5-year-old Jamal Anderson Jr. was among two people taken into custody in connection with the boy's shooting, with charges referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

FOX6 News learned Monday one of the two people in custody was being held on homicide charges.

Anderson Jr. was fatally shot at the Mayfair Apartment Homes near Lovers Lane Road and Silver Spring Drive early Saturday morning, Feb. 8.

The shooting happened around 1:15 a.m. Police said officers found the boy, identified by family as Jamal Anderson, Jr., suffering from a serious gunshot wound. Dispatch audio revealed the wound was "to the stomach." Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and the child died at the scene.

The boy's mother shared this message on a GoFundMe.com page set up to raise money for funeral expenses:

Uncertainty lingered in the neighborhood Monday, with neighbors processing this loss.

"It's terrorizing, really," said Anthony Martinez, neighbor. "Just a couple days ago, I heard gunshots outside my window."

"Why? Why did the person do it?" said a neighbor who wanted to remain anonymous. "I think this is a quiet area. That's why it is so shocking. (The family) is going through a lot of pain right now."

Anderson Jr.'s family did not respond to FOX6's requests for an interview Monday but did indicate they were working to plan a vigil for later in the week.

Anyone with information that could help police in this case was asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360, or contact Milwaukee Crime Stoppers.

CLICK HERE to access the GoFundMe.com account set up in Anderson Jr.'s honor.