On the early evening of October 19, 2023, 30-year-old Julio Ismael Sostre Vargas was fatally shot while stopped at a red light at South Layton Boulevard and West Pierce Street on Milwaukee’s Southside. Known locally as Pook The Barber, he was driving with his five-year-old son and a female passenger when a light tan or silver SUV pulled alongside and an occupant opened fire. More than a dozen rounds were fired, at least ten striking the driver’s side window; investigators recovered at least 15 spent cartridges.

Sostre Vargas was hit multiple times and later died at a hospital. His son was struck in the face and listed in critical but stable condition; the female passenger was uninjured. The suspect vehicle fled before officers arrived. No arrests or public identifications of suspects have been announced, and the Milwaukee Police Department is seeking tips.

If anyone saw the SUV, the shooting at that intersection, or has footage from October 19, 2023 that could help, please contact investigators.