Rolando Barrera-Tafolla, 44, was found dead in his vehicle after a crash near Burnham Park in Milwaukee on July 16, 2019. Witnesses reported the vehicle emerging from an alley near 34th and Mitchell, crashing through a fence and crossing a baseball field before stopping; police discovered Barrera deceased in the driver’s seat. Initial investigators determined he had been shot before the crash and that the shooting took place behind a home in an alley north of 33rd and Mitchell.

A confidential informant told police that Mario Balli, 48, had admitted killing Barrera during what the informant described as a drug deal gone wrong, with Balli alleging Barrera stole $100,000 intended to buy drugs. Balli’s fingerprints were reportedly found inside Barrera’s SUV. Balli was arrested and charged with first-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon; a verdict and sentencing are described in later parts of the account.

Anyone with information about Barrera or the events around 34th and Mitchell on July 16, 2019, is asked to come forward.