Investigators have not established whether a man charged after a police chase had any role in the fatal shooting.
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police continued searching Friday for whoever fired the gunshots that killed 9-year-old Jade Riser inside her home, while questions remained about a high-speed chase that began after officers saw a vehicle leaving the area.
Jade was critically wounded at about 11:19 p.m. July 2 near East Burleigh and North Richards streets, police said. She died July 7 after five days in a hospital. Authorities have not identified a suspect, disclosed a possible motive or announced an arrest tied directly to the shooting.
Members of Jade’s family said the fourth grader was in her bedroom when gunfire from outside entered the residence and struck her. Police have said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and officials have not publicly said who or what may have been targeted.
Court records reviewed by FOX6 describe a police pursuit that began after officers noticed a vehicle speeding away from the area. Officers eventually caught the driver, a 28-year-old man who now faces charges related to the pursuit and the children who were reportedly inside the vehicle.
The charges include fleeing an officer, first-degree recklessly endangering safety and obstructing an officer, according to the report. The man also faces two counts each of child neglect and child abandonment. The charges are accusations, and the case has not been resolved in court.
Authorities have not established publicly that the driver was involved in the gunfire that struck Jade. Because any connection remains unclear, his name is being withheld from this report. Police have not said whether the vehicle was carrying the shooter, whether a weapon was recovered or whether the driver witnessed the shooting.
The unanswered questions have left investigators with two events requiring careful separation: the fatal shooting of a child inside a home and the pursuit of a vehicle seen leaving the surrounding area. A person’s presence near a crime scene or involvement in a separate police chase does not by itself establish responsibility for the shooting.
Jade’s relatives gathered near Burleigh and Richards on Thursday for a balloon release. Her aunt, Cortrice Young, described Jade as a smiling and joyful child who loved being with her family. Young said relatives are seeking justice but have not been given an explanation for why the shots were fired.
Police have not announced whether detectives have obtained surveillance video, identified the type of firearm used or determined how many people were involved. They also have not said whether other homes or vehicles were struck during the gunfire.
The investigation remained open Friday, with no known suspect in custody for Jade’s death. Milwaukee police said they continue to seek information that could identify the shooter and explain what led to the gunfire near Burleigh and Richards.
Author note: Last updated July 10, 2026.