Jesus Chucho Valladares was an 11-year-old fifth grader who died the night of May 16, 2025, after being shot inside a home in the 2600 block of Prospect Street in Racine, Wisconsin. Family members rushed him to a local hospital after a 10:33 p.m. call for help, but he succumbed to a single gunshot wound; the medical examiner later identified him as Jesus Valladares.

Investigators say the firearm discharged during an interaction between Jesus and his 16-year-old brother, Pedro Sauceda, who was taken into custody at the scene. A sibling told police she had loaded a single round earlier that day intending to fire it at a cemetery but had left the round in the gun. Authorities reported burn marks and a dark circular area around the wound, indicating the muzzle was extremely close or pressed to Jesus when the weapon fired. Pedro was charged on May 21, 2025, with first-degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon; a cash bond was set at $150,000 and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 28.

Jesus, born August 28, 2013, was remembered by family as cheerful, energetic, and helpful, with interests in basketball, video games, TikTok and helping at a scrap yard. Neighbors left balloons and candles and a fundraiser was organized to assist with funeral expenses.

If anyone has information about the events at the Prospect Street home that night, please share what is known.