MILWAUKEE, WI – A 17-year-old girl, Zaniya Booker, was fatally shot on Wednesday, January 22, in a residence on Milwaukee’s North Side. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her identity Thursday afternoon, leaving the community in mourning over the tragic loss of another young life.
The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. at a home in the 4400 block of North 28th Street. According to Milwaukee Police, the circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, and investigators are actively working to uncover what transpired. Authorities are pursuing leads and searching for a suspect, but no arrests have been made as of Thursday evening.
Efforts to reach Booker’s family for comment have been unsuccessful, as they are likely grappling with the devastating news. Police have appealed to the public for assistance in solving the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. Community members can contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or via the P3 Tips App.
Booker’s death marks the fourth homicide reported in Milwaukee in 2025, according to police data. She is the first victim under the age of 18 this year, a grim reminder of the pervasive impact of gun violence on the city’s youth. Since her death, the number of homicides in Milwaukee has risen to five, sparking renewed calls for community action and preventative measures.
The tragedy has left neighbors and city officials shaken. Local leaders are emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing gun violence, urging residents to share any information that could help law enforcement solve this and other cases. “It takes all of us to create safer neighborhoods and prevent senseless violence,” said one local advocate.
As police continue their investigation, Milwaukee residents are left to grapple with the loss of a promising young life. The community’s support and cooperation will be critical in helping authorities bring justice to Zaniya Booker’s family and addressing the broader issue of violence in the city. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability for this heartbreaking crime.