Lester Smith Jr., a 34-year-old Black man from Milwaukee, was fatally shot on the night of July 8, 2025, near North 42nd Street and West Kaul Avenue. The shooting occurred at about 10:22 p.m.; emergency responders took Smith to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Two days after the incident the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office publicly identified him.

Police did not announce what led to the confrontation or say whether Smith was specifically targeted. Early reports indicated no suspect had been identified and there was no publicly announced arrest; the investigation was described as active and authorities appealed to anyone with information to come forward or submit tips anonymously through Milwaukee Crime Stoppers or P3 Tips. The reporting available does not provide details of a motive, an argument, or how many people may have been involved.

If anyone witnessed the shooting near 42nd and Kaul on July 8 or has information that could help investigators, please contact Milwaukee police or submit an anonymous tip.