A June 15, 2024 shooting on Milwaukee’s south side turned a sweet sixteen celebration into a double homicide. Three days after his 16th birthday, Diego Francisco Herrera-Mejia and his best friend, 15-year-old Isaac Rodriguez, were fatally shot near 9th and Manitoba shortly after leaving Diego’s party. More than a dozen gunshots were heard by partygoers; when police arrived Diego and Isaac could not be saved.

A 14-year-old cousin of Diego was also struck and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say the violence appears to have stemmed from an argument and that Diego and Isaac may not have been the intended targets. Diego was remembered as friendly, humorous, and fond of fishing, basketball, and spending time with friends and cousins.

Milwaukee police are actively investigating; no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. If anyone was at the birthday celebration or saw activity near 9th and Manitoba around the time of the shooting, please share what was seen or heard with investigators.