Community in Mourning After Othon Herrera Fatally Shot on Milwaukee’s South Side
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A somber mood hangs over Milwaukee’s south side following the tragic and sudden death of Othon Herrera, a 52-year-old man who was shot and killed in broad daylight Tuesday afternoon near 7th and Mitchell Street. As the city continues to grapple with growing concerns around gun violence, this latest incident has left a family shattered and a neighborhood in mourning.
The shooting occurred on a busy stretch of Mitchell Street, a vibrant area known for its local shops and tight-knit community. The sound of gunfire on what began as an ordinary afternoon has left residents stunned, and the loss of Othon — described by his loved ones as a caring, hardworking man — has sent shockwaves through those who knew him.
By Wednesday, a small memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten messages had been set up near the site of the shooting. Passersby paused to pay their respects, some wiping away tears, others silently reflecting. It’s clear that Othon’s presence in the community was more than just familiar — it was valued.
Family members speaking to CBS 58 shared their disbelief and heartbreak. “We’re still trying to understand how this could happen,” one relative said. “He didn’t deserve this. He was just living his life, being himself — kind, supportive, and always thinking about others.”
Neighbors and friends echoed that sentiment. Othon was known as someone who always had a wave or a kind word, someone you could count on to lend a helping hand or simply brighten your day with a smile. “He was a friend to everyone,” said one local resident. “This neighborhood won’t be the same without him.”
Police have yet to release specific details surrounding the shooting or any potential suspects. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward, and they’re reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses in hopes of piecing together what led to the deadly encounter.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with difficult questions — about safety, justice, and how to move forward in the wake of such senseless violence. Many are calling for greater efforts to address the root causes of crime and to ensure that tragedies like this do not continue to occur in neighborhoods where families are simply trying to live in peace.
For now, Othon Herrera’s family and friends are holding on to memories of the man they loved — a man whose life was cut short far too soon. Plans for a memorial service are underway, and the family is inviting the public to join them in honoring Othon’s life and legacy.
In the midst of grief, one message remains clear: Othon Herrera mattered. He was a father, a brother, a friend — and he will not be forgotten.
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