On April 27, 2009, 29-year-old Omar Vera-Marti was fatally shot on Milwaukee’s south side after leaving a home in the 2100 block of S. 15th Place. He had been getting into a car with two women when a man identified as Francisco Rivera, then 28 and reportedly the boyfriend of one of the women, approached the group and confronted them. A witness said Rivera accused his girlfriend of being with Vera-Marti, and despite the woman’s attempts to calm him the situation escalated. Rivera shot Vera-Marti, slapped his girlfriend and forced her into his van, then drove off after threatening the other woman.

A warrant was issued for Rivera’s arrest and he was charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Prosecutors relied on eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence and Rivera’s prior violent history during the trial. Rivera was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case underscores the fatal consequences of domestic violence and its effect on families and the community.

If anyone knew Omar, his movements that night, or has information about the events around S. 15th Place on April 27, 2009, please come forward.