Milwaukee police have released dashcam footage depicting an off-duty officer fatally shooting 26-year-old Elijah Wilks. This release comes just four days post-incident, a departure from the department’s policy to usually publish footage within 15 days. The swift release aims to promote transparency after Wilks’ family requested the video, believing it would clarify the events leading to his death.
The confrontation occurred at the intersection of 49th Street and Mill Road, following a car crash involving Wilks and the off-duty officer. The footage shows the two exiting their vehicles and engaging in a brief verbal exchange. The situation escalated when Wilks brandished a firearm, striking the officer with it, as explained by the family’s attorney, B’Ivory LaMarr. “Elijah pulls out a firearm with his right hand, and he’s essentially swinging it in the direction of the off-duty officer,” noted LaMarr.
The exchange between the two lasted approximately 26 seconds, culminating in gunfire. Subsequently, Wilks was shot and killed, while police later recovered a 10 mm bullet from a neighboring home, indicating the direction from which they believe Wilks was facing when shot. It’s important to mention that Milwaukee police do not utilize 10 mm service weapons.
In the aftermath, the family has placed balloons and photographs at the site where Wilks lost his life as a means of honoring him while navigating their grief. In a poignant statement, LaMarr acknowledged the family’s difficult decision to prioritize public awareness over personal mourning to foster accountability and healing within the community. The release of this footage aims to shed light on the tragic incident and encourage understanding as the family and community come to terms with the events that transpired.