On July 31, 2023, 53-year-old William ’Bill’ Czarnecki was fatally shot while mowing his lawn near 28th and Villard in Milwaukee around 12:45 p.m. An unknown individual drove by and fired at Czarnecki; he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He had recently returned to Milwaukee and was preparing his home for his daughter’s upcoming visit.

Czarnecki was a journeyman boilermaker and a member of Boilermakers Local 107. Neighbors remembered him as friendly and proud of his property, who cared for his dog. No arrests have been announced and the Milwaukee Police Department continues to investigate.

If anyone saw activity near 28th and Villard around midday on July 31, 2023, or has information about who might have driven by, please contact the Milwaukee Police Department.