Pierre Smith, a 37-year-old Black barber, was fatally shot on April 9, 2026, outside a barbershop near West Lisbon Avenue and West Burleigh Street on Milwaukee’s north side. Police were called at about 5:10 p.m.; Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators obtained eyewitness and surveillance evidence that prosecutors say shows Smith had arranged to cut a man’s hair that day. After Smith and the witness returned to the shop, a man approached, asked about haircuts, then—according to the witness—pushed past Smith, produced a handgun and repeatedly shot him before fleeing west on Burleigh. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a black cargo van arriving about 10 minutes earlier, a man exiting and scoping the area, then returning and later approaching Smith. Cameras followed the fleeing man as he removed a jogging-suit top and hat; one camera reportedly obtained a clearer image of his face and hairline.

Detectives identified 64-year-old Fred Shabazz, also known as Fred Morris Jefferson, as the alleged gunman.

Friends remembered Smith as determined, driven and encouraging, a self-taught barber who built a reputation through hard work. If anyone knew Pierre Smith or has information about the shooting, please come forward.