Harry Dixson

In the early morning hours of June 20, 2022, Harry Dixson, a 31-year-old Black / African American man, was fatally shot outside a restaurant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family described him as a role model and a pillar of his community who was dedicated to helping others. Dixson was in the process of starting a non-profit called "300 suits" to provide professional attire for formerly incarcerated men preparing for job interviews. He had also launched a "road map charity" to assist at-risk youth. His nephew recalled that Dixson lived by the motto, "Make the reason you wake up be the reason that you smile today."

The shooting occurred around 2:15 a.m. outside the Casablanca restaurant on Brady Street. According to Milwaukee police, a dispute between Dixson and another man escalated into gunfire. A neighbor who lived nearby reported hearing a commotion followed by three loud shots. When officers arrived at the scene, near the intersection of Cass and Brady streets, they found Dixson, who had died from his injuries. Family members said Dixson was a regular at the restaurant and did not know the person who shot him.

In the aftermath, Dixson’s family gathered to mourn him, shocked by the sudden violence. His sister, Carol Office, and nephew, Sedan Smith, spoke of their disbelief and sorrow. In a statement, the Casablanca restaurant expressed sadness for the loss of life and pledged to cooperate with the police investigation. The restaurant remained closed the day of the shooting, and a vigil was planned to honor Dixson's memory.

Milwaukee police quickly began an investigation into the homicide. Authorities announced that they had arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the shooting. As of June 2022, police stated that criminal charges would be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for review.