On January 23, 2022, 44-year-old Donta Michael Williams was one of six people shot to death at a residence near 21st and Wright streets in Milwaukee. Officers responding to a welfare check initially found five victims; a sixth was discovered shortly after. All six had suffered gunshot injuries. Those killed included Michelle Williams, 49, and Donald Smith, 43, who lived in the home with Donta, as well as Charles Hardy, 42, Caleb Jordan, 23, and Javoni Liddell, 31.

Investigators say the case tied to a robbery that went wrong. Authorities charged 34-year-old Travis Lamar Birkley with six counts of felony murder; the criminal complaint alleges he and an unidentified cousin planned to rob Donta, that Michelle Williams was shot while trying to intervene, and that three people in the basement and Donald Smith were later shot. Two different guns’ casings were recovered at the scene. Reported evidence includes a selfie allegedly showing Birkley wearing Donta Williams’ glasses in the basement, cell records placing Birkley nearby, and a 911 call traced to a number connected to him.

Anyone with information about the killings or the unidentified second shooter is asked to come forward.