On January 2, 2022, 16-year-old Niesha Harris-Brazell was shot and killed while working a night shift at a Burger King on Capitol Drive in Milwaukee. Police were called at about 10:25 p.m.; she was found with gunshot wounds, taken to a hospital, and died of her injuries. An initial suspect description was of a heavyset man in a red hooded sweatshirt and tan pants who fled in a black Chevy Impala.

Investigators later said the incident was not a simple robbery. Prosecutors alleged the shooting occurred during a staged robbery planned by 41-year-old Antoine Edwards, the father of Harris-Brazell’s best friend and co-worker, who was also 16. The complaint says Edwards came to the drive-thru with a gun as part of the scheme; another employee, 34-year-old Derrick Ellis, who was carrying a firearm despite being a convicted felon, fired after seeing Edwards and struck Harris-Brazell. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Edwards fleeing without firing his gun.

Edwards was arrested and charged in connection with the plot; his daughter was taken into custody and reportedly confessed to involvement. Ellis turned himself in and faced charges for negligent handling of a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. Harris-Brazell’s family has publicly disputed claims she willingly participated in any plot. Did anyone who knew Niesha or worked at that Burger King see anything unusual that night?