Develle Big Dee Gholson, a 56-year-old Black man, was killed on the evening of November 16, 2025, when gunfire erupted in Milwaukee’s Rufus King neighborhood. He had been at a cousin’s birthday gathering near North 19th Street and West Congress Street, reportedly playing cards and watching a football game, and was gone from home only about an hour before the shooting. Police and firefighters were dispatched shortly after 7:30 p.m.; Gholson was found mortally wounded in the 1900 block of West Congress Street and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting also claimed the life of Tommie Triggs, found roughly a block away in the 4300 block of North 19th Place. Authorities determined the two deaths were part of the same incident. Doorbell-camera footage captured more than a dozen gunshots, and witnesses described frantic activity as neighbors sought help for the wounded.

Gholson was described by family as a central figure, the father of six, with numerous grandchildren and a partner of about four decades. Police released few details about a motive, did not identify a suspect publicly, and said they were searching for the person or people responsible. No arrest has been announced and investigators asked anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

If anyone in Rufus King that night saw activity around Congress Street or North 19th Street, can you share what you remember?