Residents near 79th and Hampton say the Oct. 20 shooting left a lasting mark on their block.
MILWAUKEE — The arrest of a suspect in Oklahoma this week brought a measure of relief to neighbors near N. 79th St. and W. Hampton Ave., where 16-year-old Marquis Champion was shot and killed on Oct. 20 and two others were wounded inside a home.
Residents said the weeks since the shooting were filled with questions and worry. “We kept looking over our shoulders,” said Sharon Miller, who has lived on the block for more than a decade. On Wednesday, city officials announced that U.S. Marshals took 37-year-old Martell D. Haire into custody in the Oklahoma City area after a coordinated search. Alderman Mark Chambers Jr., Champion’s uncle, thanked investigators and said the arrest eased some of the family’s strain while they await court proceedings.
Police said the gunfire followed an argument inside the house. Two people with Champion were struck and survived. Prosecutors charged Haire with first-degree reckless homicide with a dangerous weapon, two counts of first-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Officials said both wounded victims are recovering. Investigators have not said whether they recovered the firearm used or if any other arrests are expected.
In the days after the killing, a small memorial of candles and stuffed animals grew on the front steps. Neighbors organized a brief sidewalk gathering at dusk to remember Champion. “He was quiet, always polite,” said James Reed, who recalled seeing the teen walk to the bus stop for school. Community groups checked on families on the block, while detectives canvassed for doorbell footage and witness accounts. City leaders shared Crime Stoppers details last week as publicity around the suspect intensified.
Authorities said Haire left Wisconsin after the shooting and was found about 900 miles away. He is being held in Oklahoma while extradition is arranged. Once returned to Milwaukee County, Haire is expected to make an initial appearance on the charges before a preliminary hearing is set. Prosecutors said they will release scheduling updates when transport dates are finalized.
By Thursday evening, neighbors said they were trying to settle back into routines, even as the porch memorial remained. “An arrest doesn’t bring him back,” Miller said. “But it’s a step.” Officials said the investigation continues as they work to bring the suspect back to court in Milwaukee.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 14, 2025.