MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has filed multiple felony charges against 33-year-old Martell Haire in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Marquis Champion, a tragic incident that unfolded near 79th Street and Hampton Avenue on October 20, 2025. The charges mark a significant development in a case that has shaken the Milwaukee community and reignited calls for an end to the gun violence claiming young lives across the city.
According to the criminal complaint, police officers were dispatched to the area shortly after 9:30 p.m. on October 20 following reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they found Marquis Champion, a promising high school student, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly began piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence. Authorities allege that Haire was involved in a confrontation that escalated into gunfire, resulting in Champion’s death. The exact motive behind the shooting has not yet been publicly disclosed, but officials say the evidence strongly links Haire to the crime.
Haire now faces several serious charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime. If convicted on all counts, he could face a life sentence in prison.
In a statement following the charges, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said:
“The senseless killing of a young person is a tragedy that devastates families and entire communities. Our office is committed to seeking justice for Marquis and ensuring accountability for those responsible for his death.”
Family members of Marquis Champion described him as a bright, kind-hearted, and ambitious young man with big dreams for the future. He was known for his infectious smile, love for basketball, and dedication to his studies. Friends and classmates say he had a positive energy that could light up any room.
“Marquis was just a kid with goals,” said a close friend. “He talked about going to college, playing ball, and making his family proud. He didn’t deserve this.”
In the days following his death, a memorial of flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes grew near the scene of the shooting, as friends, family, and community members gathered to mourn and honor his life. A candlelight vigil held last week drew dozens of attendees, many of whom called for peace and stronger efforts to curb youth violence in Milwaukee.
Community advocates say Marquis’s death is yet another painful reminder of the ongoing toll gun violence continues to take on young lives in the city.
“This is not just another statistic — this was someone’s child, someone’s hope for the future,” said a local anti-violence organizer. “We need to do better for our youth. We owe it to Marquis and to every young life lost to senseless violence.”
Haire is currently being held in the Milwaukee County Jail pending his next court appearance. Prosecutors have requested a high cash bond given the severity of the charges and his prior criminal record.
As the case moves through the court system, Marquis’s family continues to plead for justice and healing. “We just want the person responsible to be held accountable,” said one relative. “Nothing will bring Marquis back, but we pray this brings some peace.”
The tragic killing of 16-year-old Marquis Champion has left an indelible mark on the Milwaukee community — a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for collective action to stop the cycle of violence that continues to claim the city’s youth.
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