Milwaukee, WI
Domestic dispute leads to murder-suicide on northwest side, police say
Embrace serves domestic violence victims. It’s struggling due to federal cuts.
An group that helps survivors of domestic violence and assault in rural northwest Wisconsin is learning how to survive while its funding is slashed.
Milwaukee police say two people died in a murder-suicide following a domestic dispute early Sunday morning in the Silver Spring neighborhood.
The double fatal shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 in the 5600 block of North 78th Street, near the intersection of West Silver Spring Drive and Highway 145.
The Milwaukee Police Department said a 45-year-old man fired shots during a domestic dispute, striking a 41-year-old who sustained fatal injuries. Police did not provide the gender of the victim.
The 45-year-old man then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police are investigating the circumstances. Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips.
Wisconsin saw record domestic violence deaths last year
Wisconsin saw 99 domestic violence deaths in 2024, according to a report from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, the highest number since the organization began tracking data in 2000.
The analysis included the deaths of perpetrators who died by suicide or law enforcement action.
Meanwhile, more than 100 organizations across the state are struggling as funds dry up through the Victims of Crime Act fund, known as VOCA.
The federal fund pays for domestic violence hotlines, child abuse advocacy centers and other services for crime victims across Wisconsin.
Where to find help for domestic violence or sexual assault
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is (800) 799-7233.
- End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin shares helplines and culturally specific resources for assistance at www.endabusewi.org/get-help/.
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline is (800) 656-4673. You can also text HOPE to 64673.
- Access the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault resource guide for Wisconsin-based help providers at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers/.
Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@gannett.com.