News Summary
The family of Elijah Wilks has publicly supported the Milwaukee police officer involved in the shooting of Wilks, acknowledging his actions as self-defense. After reviewing video evidence, they expressed sorrow for Wilks’ tragic mistake but stated the officer’s response was justified. The family describes Wilks as a well-liked individual, and the incident, which escalated from a traffic confrontation, reflects the complexities of civilian-police interactions. The investigation is ongoing as the family opts not to pursue legal action.
Milwaukee – The family of Elijah Wilks has publicly acknowledged the justification of an off-duty Milwaukee police officer’s actions following a confrontation that resulted in Wilks being shot. This acknowledgment comes after the family reviewed video evidence of the incident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. on October 9, near West Mill Road and North 47th Street.
In a statement, the family clarified that while they believed Wilks made a tragic mistake, they support the officer’s decision to use his weapon in self-defense. Attorney B’Ivory LaMarr explained that the footage reveals Wilks brandishing a gun and striking the officer with it, which prompted the officer to fire in response. The incident escalated when Wilks cut off the officer in traffic, leading to a minor collision. Both parties subsequently pulled over, where the confrontation ultimately occurred.
Family members painted a picture of Elijah Wilks as a well-liked individual who was typically soft-spoken and well-mannered, making his actions during the incident feel out of character. Wilks’ sister, Elayjah, described him as a good person, and the family chose to memorialize him in a recent balloon release following the tragic events.
The officer involved in the incident, a 40-year-old with over 21 years of service, is currently on administrative duty—a standard procedure in such cases. The West Allis Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting. The officer’s identity has not been released, and the family has requested to follow the police department’s protocol regarding the release of video evidence.
LaMarr also voiced concerns about the lack of assistance offered to Wilks after he was shot, while recognizing that it was uncertain if immediate help would have changed the outcome. Tensions were palpable in the crowd during discussions about the events that transpired, reflecting a mix of support for the officer and anger over the police narrative surrounding the shooting.
In a surprising twist, LaMarr noted his unexpected position in supporting the officer during the press conference, emphasizing the rarity of such a stance. Despite the complex emotions surrounding the incident, the family expressed their sorrow over Wilks’ actions, while also stating they do not plan to file any lawsuits related to his death.
As the investigation continues, the Wilks family remains firm in their belief that the situation could have been handled differently, emphasizing that Wilks did not recognize the off-duty officer during their confrontation. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in interactions between civilians and law enforcement.
Further developments in the case will depend on the ongoing investigation by the West Allis Police Department as it seeks to clarify the details surrounding this tragic event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Family Acknowledges Justified Shooting of Elijah Wilks by Officer
Tragic Shooting Incident in Milwaukee Following Car Crash
Off-Duty Milwaukee Officer Shoots and Kills 26-Year-Old Man
Fatal Police Shooting Follows Minor Traffic Collision in Milwaukee
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Family Acknowledges Justification in Shooting
- WISN: Family Supports Officer’s Actions
- FOX6 Now: Family’s Statement on Officer’s Defense
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee Police Shootings
- WISN: Investigation Underway in Fatal Police Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
