In early October 2021, 31-year-old James Lee Hamilton was found dead in a bedroom of his Racine, Wisconsin home after what investigators described as a violent home invasion. Police were called to the area of Monroe and Kinzie Avenues on the night of October 4. An autopsy confirmed Hamilton died of multiple gunshot wounds. Officers recovered a handgun, an AR-15-style rifle and spent casings at the scene, and a safe in the bedroom contained a large amount of cash and controlled substances.

Neighbors’ video captured a red truck parked near the house for about an hour before two people left the vehicle and approached the back of the residence. Friends told police Hamilton had been involved in drug distribution. The investigation led to arrests; one man, identified as Jonathan Martinez, was described as the driver for two brothers who carried out an attempted robbery, and Christopher Martinez was charged with first-degree intentional homicide and attempted armed robbery. Hamilton’s family remembered him as talented, intelligent, generous and passionate about music and writing.

Does anyone have information about Hamilton’s final movements or the red truck seen near his home?