On the night of August 30, 2019, 21-year-old Nathanael Zapata-Santiago was fatally shot during what began as a marijuana purchase at a home on Winona Lane near Forest Home Avenue in Milwaukee. Nathanael, a Hispanic male, had been with friends when three other Hispanic males arrived to buy half a pound of marijuana for $1,800. After the buyer-sellers weighed the drugs, two of the three men pulled handguns and ordered everyone not to move.

Nathanael leaned forward on the couch as if to stand, and one of the assailants fired a single shot that struck his chest and left arm, perforating his aorta and both lungs. The three men took the marijuana and fled; witnesses reported additional gunshots as they left. Police were notified by ShotSpotter shortly after 10 p.m. and found Nathanael on the floor; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arrests followed quickly. On September 5, 2019, charges were filed against 17-year-old Ernesto Garcia, 18-year-old Fabian Herrera, and 17-year-old Jovany Jeronimo, each charged with one count of felony murder. Prosecutors said the three had planned to rob the dealer, with Herrera arranging the meeting and Jeronimo arranging transportation; witnesses identified Ernesto Garcia as the shooter. Ernesto Garcia later entered a no-contest plea to felony murder.

If anyone knew Nathanael or witnessed the events that night, does anyone have additional details to share?