The Lost Class Memorialized

Over the course of a semester, three UW-Milwaukee students committed themselves to a three-month investigation into the deaths of Milwaukee youth. Their focus was urgent: children and teenagers, ages four to 17, all who were school-aged. While the team drew initial inspiration from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s “The Lost Class,” their project quickly evolved into something broader and more personal. While the Journal Sentinel’s project only focused on gun-related deaths in MPS, the student reporters expanded the dataset to include all children from Milwaukee county who died from natural causes, self-inflicted harm, accidents, and reckless driving losses that often go unnoticed in public conversations about youth mortality.

Here are those youth.

Christopher Anderson
Age: 13
Cause of death: Acute bacterial meningitis (streptococcus constellatus)
Obituary: Mr. Christopher I. Anderson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral Home

Damien Bean Jr.
Age: 17
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds

Orion Maceo Bearskin
Age: 17
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Quotes: In his obituary, Orion is described, “Maceo loved music, nature, walking, and working out. He enjoyed playing video games and was good at it. He was a cool, calm, collected guy. Everyone that knew Maceo knew how tough he was. He was an aspiring boxer and would have kicked a lot of ass! He will also be remembered for his intellection, deep well thought out conversations, and his hilarious sense of humor. Maceo was full of love; he was a good son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend”.
Obituary: Orion Maceo Bearskin | Heritage Funeral Homes

Kymani L. Bell
Age: 13
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Obituary: Kymani L. Bell Obituary – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Photo and link: Kymani Bell Obituary – Death Notice and Service Information

Zaniya Booker
Age: 17
Cause of death: Gunshot wound of head
Quotes: On a fundraiser page, Zaniya’s aunt, Dominique James, describes Zayniah as “a loving daughter and mother.”
Fundraiser by Dominique James : Support for Zaniyah Booker and Baby Jazayla

Amere L. Brewer
Age: 12
Cause of death: Suicide
Obituary: Amere L. Brewer Obituary | Serenity Funeral Home

Jenesis Brown
Age: 4
Cause of death: Bronchial asthma

Desmontae T. Burns
Age: 16
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Quotes: In a TMJ4 news article Desmonte’s aunt, Jennifer Young, described him as “a protector; he thought he was everyone’s big brother, or big cousin.”
WISN 12 News: Milwaukee police: 16-year-old shot and killed, 13-year-old boy in custody

Keon B. Carter
Age: 17
Cause of death: Blunt force injuries
Obituary: Keon Carter Obituary and Online Memorial (2025)

Daquell Rahking Collins
Age: 6
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Quotes: In a TMJ4 news article, Daquell was described by a relative as “Always full of smiles and laughter. Although he was only 6, he had a huge personality and many talents.”
Obituary: Daquell Rahking Collins Obituary
FOX6 Milwaukee: Milwaukee shooting: 6-year-old dead, mother, uncle charged

Nelson Manuel Lopez Correa
Age: 15 years old
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Quotes: In a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, Nelson’s father, Jose Lopez, described him, “He was a very kind kid. He was really loved by a lot of people.”
Memorial: Nelson Manuel Lopez Correa, age 15
FOX6 Milwaukee: Milwaukee fatal shooting; police seek man who shot 15-year-old boy

Marvayah Darby
Age: 12
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Obituary: Marvayah Sheray Pearl Darby Obituary
FOX6 Milwaukee: Milwaukee girl shot, killed near 73rd and Fairmount

Xavier James Davis
Age: 16 years old
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Memorial: Xavier Davis, age 16

Lydia Louise Donohue
Age: 4
Cause of death: Complications related to chemotherapy
Quotes: Described as “the heart of her family.”
Obituary: Lydia Louise Donohue Obituary

Monte Carlo Edmond Jr.
Age: 17 years old
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Quotes: In a FOX6 news article, Monte’s mother, Shonie describes Monte, “My son was amazing. He had a great personality, he touched everyone that was around him.”
Obituary: Monte Carlo Edmond Jr. – Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services
FOX6 Milwaukee: Milwaukee weekend shootings; Victims’ ages range from 12 to 49

Jayden Dante Greer
Age: 16
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Memorial: Jayden Greer, age 16

Nikolai James Hanson
Age: 8
Cause of death: Multiple blunt force injuries
Obituary: Nikolai James Hanson Obituary – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Raki Semaj Henderson
Age:17
Cause of death: Car accident

Abdiel Herrera-Santiago
Age: 11
Cause of death: Not listed

De’khia D. Horton
Age: 10
Cause of death: Lymphocytic myocarditis

Cornellius Lavelle Hutchison
Age: 17
Cause of death: Blunt force injuries; accident

Xiomara N. Jeronimo
Age: 4
Cause of death: Carbon monoxide toxicity smoke and soot inhalation
Quotes: In a news article, Xiomara’s cousin, Ana Angeles, described her as, “A really fun, silly little girl. She was always smiling,”.
Obituary: Xiomara Nicole Jeronimo Obituary (2025) – Milwaukee, WI – Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Oklahoma Chapel – Milwaukee

Emanuel James Johnson
Age: 15
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Obituary: Emanuel James Johnson Obituary | 2009 – 2024 | Milwaukee, WI

Marrion T. Johnson
Age: 16
Cause of death: gunshot wound
Quotes: Family, in a CBS 58 news article, described Marrion as a, “bright and kind-hearted teen whose presence lit up every room he entered. Man Man left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His life, though short, was deeply meaningful and filled with love.”
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Authorities identify 16-year-old Milwaukee boy killed in triple shooting

Donell D’Angelo Jones
Age: 17
Cause of death: gunshot wound
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 17-year-old charged with murder of Milwaukee Lutheran senior Donell Jones

Timothy Maurice Lewis Jordan
Age: 16
Cause of death: Gunshot wound

Paweh Kri
Age: 11
Cause of death: Positional asphyxia; accident

Alejandro Rodriguez LaFrenier
Age: 14
Cause of death: Multiple gunshot wounds
Fundraiser by Jasmine Cruz : Help Jasmine Cruz Lay Ale to Rest Peacefully

Kingston Elijah Liphford
Age: 16
Cause of death: gunshot wound
Obituary: Kingston Elijah Liphford Obituary

Jai’Nadia Little
Age: 4
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Memorial: Jainadia Little, age 4

Micheal Thomas Lupo
Age: 12 years old
Cause of death: Not listed
Quotes: Mr. Michael “Mikey” Lupo Jr. Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information

Ethan Franshesko Martinez-Bailon
Age: 6 years old
Cause of death: Non-reportable death

Ja’Lerian McDade
Age: 17
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
FOX6 Milwaukee: Milwaukee teen killed near Washington Park; boyfriend charged

Donovan Travion McLemore
Age: 5
Cause of death: Complications of infection with influenza A (H1N1 ’09) virus
Obituary: Donovan Travion McLemore

Xavier Mitchell
Age: 6
Cause of death: Not listed

Issac Giovanni Montes-Rivera
Age: 8 years old
Cause of death: Not listed

Makai Neal
Age: 15
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Quotes: In a CBS 58 news article, Makai’s football coach, Calvin Sherrod, describes Makai as “a leader and kind of like a magnet of people. Everyone was kind of drawn to him, whether it was players, coaches, family members, it doesn’t really matter. He was just one of those kids that kind of pulled everything together and made everyone feel like family.”
Fundraiser: Makai Neals’ Family Expenses and Memorial Pieces

Marquell Newburn
Age: 12 years old
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Quotes: In his obituary, Newburn was described as funny with a great sense of humor and enjoyed helping others, listening to music, playing with his siblings, playing his PS5, and cooking.
Obituary: Marquell Newburn

Anthony Robert Novak
Age: 17
Cause of death: blunt force injuries
Obituary: Anthony Robert Novak Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information

Lamar O. Parish Jr.
Age: 16 years old
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
Obituary: Lamar O. Parish Jr. Obituary

Exziel Rivera
Age: 15
Cause of death: multiple gunshot wounds
Quotes: On a fundraiser page, Exziel was described as, “a loving son, brother, cousin and friend to so many. His warm heart, kind soul, and vibrant spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him.”
Fundraiser: Support Exziel’s Memorial and Funeral Costs

Adamaris Rodriguez-Torres
Age: 11
Cause of death: Natural

Janaiya L. Ross
Age: 13 years old
Cause of death: gunshot wound
Obituary: Janaiya L. Ross Obituary

Desiree Jarvis Sartin
Age: 15
Cause of death: Probable sepsis acute bronchopneumonia

Lolah Scott
Age: 10
Cause of death: Not listed

Akeem Simmons Jr.
Age: 8
Cause of death: Complications of multiple blunt force injuries
Obituary: Mr. Akeem Michael Simmons Jr.

Jaylen Marquis Sloan
Age: 5
Cause of death: Multiple blunt force injuries
Quotes: In a news article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sloan’s mother, Teaira Harriel, described Sloan as happy, silly, helpful, smart, and awesome.
Obituary: Jaylen Marquis Sloan Obituary

Kendel Spencer-Terry
Age: 17
Cause of death: blunt force injuries

Essence Tally
Age: 13
Cause of death: Not listed
Obituary: Essence Kitora Loran Tally – Paradise Memorial Funeral

Ralph Taylor III
Age: 4
Cause of death: Gunshot wound

Micheal Thomas Lupo
Age: 12 years old
Cause of death: Not listed
Quotes: Mr. Michael “Mikey” Lupo Jr. Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information

Caleigh Thompson
Age: 11
Cause of death: Asthma complications
Quotes: On a fundraiser page, Caleigh was described as, “a kind and loving sister, always playing with her siblings and cousins, spreading joy wherever she went. Whether she was styling her baby doll’s hair or carefully putting on a set of press-on nails, Caleigh’s love for the simple pleasures in life showed just how big her heart was.”
Fundraiser: Remembering Fluffy: A Light Gone Too Soon

Bryant Triplett
Age: 14
Cause of death: Gunshot wound of abdomen
Quotes: Bryant’s mother, Kamid Everett, describes Bryant as a peacemaker, cook, Milwaukee Bucks enthusiast, gamer, and goofy.
WISN-TV: 14-year-old shot, killed; 18-year-old arrested

Omar Alexander Batista Villa
Age: 9
Cause of death: Anoxic brain injury complications of tonsillectomy

Dominique D’Andre Watson Jr.
Age: 17
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Obituary: Dominique D’Andre Watson Jr. – Paradise Memorial Funeral

Triston T. Welch Jr.
Age: 17
Cause of death: Multiple blunt force injuries
Obituary: Triston T. Welch Jr. Obituary

Miracle M. Wendt
Age: 12
Cause of death: natural

Maurice Kintrell Whiters
Age: 14
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds
Quotes: In a TMJ4 news article, Maurice’s mother, Quintrell Smith, describes him as, “He was very smart, very intelligent. He loved sports. He loved his family.”
Obituary: Mr. Maurice Kintrell Whiters – Paradise Memorial Funeral

Daran Wiley
Age: 14 years old
Cause of death: Not listed
Fundraiser: Support for Daran’s Family During this Tragedy

Breanna Shaniece Williams
Age: 16
Obituary: Breanna Shaniece Williams Obituary

Heaven Sonora Williams
Age: 10
Cause of death: Drowning
Obituary: Heaven Sonora Williams Obituary

Ryann T. Wilson
Age: 13
Cause of death: Gunshot wound
WISN-TV: Two teens arrested in connection to shooting death of Milwaukee 13-year-old