Jason Cleereman, a 54-year-old immigration attorney from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died on September 22, 2020, after an altercation that began on the street. Cleereman was known locally for work with the Walkers Square Farmers Market and The Southside Organizing Committee and was described as dedicated to helping others.The confrontation started when Cleereman and his wife, who was driving, nearly collided with a cyclist, Theodore Edgecomb. An argument followed; Edgecomb punched Cleereman while Cleereman sat in the passenger seat. The couple then followed Edgecomb.

When Cleereman exited the vehicle to confront the cyclist, Edgecomb shot him.Edgecomb was arrested and charged with first-degree reckless homicide. At trial the defense argued he acted in self-defense, saying he feared for his life; the prosecution said the shooting was unnecessary and avoidable. The jury convicted Edgecomb of first-degree reckless homicide and imposed a 25-year prison term with 12 years of extended supervision.Cleereman’s family gave emotional testimony about the impact of his death.

Does anyone have firsthand information about the encounter or about Cleereman’s work in the community?