Sharita Barber, 47, was killed late on February 28, 2026, after a minor vehicle contact in Milwaukee’s Deer District escalated into an armed confrontation. Barber had attended a concert that evening and was filmed on social media less than an hour before the shooting. According to prosecutors, Barber’s Jaguar lightly backed into a vehicle driven by Demetris A. Riley; a dispute followed, during which Riley reportedly punched and broke a window on her car. Barber then walked back to her vehicle and retrieved a firearm and was recorded pointing it at Riley.

Prosecutors allege Riley’s girlfriend fired two shots that struck Barber, after which Riley approached or passed Barber and fired at least four more rounds. He then returned to his vehicle, attempted to flee, backed into another car, and ran over Barber as he left. Forensic examiners said six casings matched Riley’s firearm and found no evidence Barber’s gun was fired. The medical examiner documented six gunshot wounds and blunt-force injuries from being struck by the vehicle; investigators said Barber remained alive during the later shots and being run over.

Demetris A.

If readers were in the Deer District that night or have information about the events leading up to Barber’s killing, please share what was seen or heard.