Milwaukee murders: Who killed six inside Wisconsin house? Family hopes for video evidence
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: Six individuals were found dead in a Wisconsin residence on Sunday, January 23, 2022, after neighbors reported an "overpowering stench". The victims have been identified as Charles Hardy, 42, Caleb Jordan, 23, Javoni Liddell, 31, Donta "Michael" Williams, 44, Michelle Williams, 49, and Donald Smith, 43, and the case is being investigated as multiple homicides. Authorities discovered five victims during a welfare check at the home and the sixth victim was located hours later. According to Milwaukee police sergeant Efrain Cornejo, the individuals' injuries are suspected to have been caused by gunfire.
Three of the six victims, Michelle and Donta Williams, and Donald Smith, lived in the same house near 21st and Wright, according to medical examiner reports. "The motive and any information regarding any involved suspects is not known to us right now," said Milwaukee Assistant Police Chief Paul Formolo. "There is no information to suggest that there is a threat to the community," he added.
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Michelle Williams' relatives had become anxious when they didn't hear from her by the end of last week and then, the news came to them. Michelle's cousin Tiffany Whittington said, "Am I in a movie? This is not real," and continued saying, "she didn’t deserve this — in her own home!"
"When they got there, they said the smell — the stench — was so overpowering. Neighbors said they had been smelling it for a few days," Whittington said and added: "She was the best person you could meet. She literally had the best heart. She was not in the street or in a gang that would cause her this harm."
Michelle's body was discovered with her husband, Donta Williams. Donta had a 15-year-old daughter with a woman named Ronda, according to Fox6. The family was preparing a birthday party for the girl's 16th birthday but they are now in shock over their unexpected loss. "Home was first, his wife and kids," Ronda explained."That's all that mattered to him, his kids and grandkids, and he loved 'em so dearly. (My daughter is) emotional. She can't sleep. She's constantly crying, and you know, it's hard for her to take it all in."
While the Milwaukee police investigation continues, family members are left with more questions than answers. "I’m hoping there is some kind of video footage – doorbell cameras – I’m hoping the community, if they have anything – she was the neighborhood candy lady! She didn’t deserve this," Whittington said to Fox6.