Devon Daniel Grant was 20 when he was fatally shot on July 13, 2023, near Milwaukee Street and Milky Way on Madison’s east side. Officers found him with life-threatening injuries; he was taken to a hospital and later died. The scene yielded more than 60 shell casings, and police say the shooting grew out of a conflict between two groups and occurred in broad daylight.

Two suspects were identified: 32-year-old Devonte Gafford and 21-year-old Mark A. Parks Jr., both charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Gafford was arrested by U.S. Marshals in early August 2023 and pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance. His trial began in late February 2024; on March 1, 2024, a jury convicted him of being a felon in possession of a firearm but deadlocked on first-degree homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, producing a mistrial on those counts and a retrial set for August 2025. Parks has been charged but no trial dates or public arrest information have been reported.

Grant’s mother, Alicia, said she witnessed his death and described him as a playful protector and her superhero. The investigation remains active; anyone with relevant information is asked to come forward.