MILWAUKEE — Two children are dealing with the reality of not having a mother, while police continue searching for the gunman who shot Jasmine Banks. The shooting happened Thursday evening near 5th and Center.
“It’s a very sad situation. Nobody should have to go through that type of stuff,” said Shawn Hughes, a man who works in the area.
Banks, a young mother, was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight. Milwaukee Police said she drove between men firing shots across the street at each other. She was hit by a stray bullet and died.
“That’s very sad and tragic. It’s a lot of people that grow up without a mother or a father, and that plays a huge part in their life because ain’t no telling what kind of influence she had on them,” Hughes said.
Hughes' sentiments about the tragedy of children growing up without their mother also was echoed by community activist Tracey Dent.
“It’s sad, and it’s starting to become a common theme nowadays because so many women are getting killed,” Dent said.
Banks' family said the 23-year-old mother was driving to visit her sister, who lives in the area, when she was killed. Banks' car came to a stop near 5th and Center.
“That’s very sad and tragic. It’s a lot of people that grow up without a mother or a father, and that plays a huge part in their life because ain’t no telling what kind of influence she had on them.” — Shawn Hughes, who works in the area
First responders tried to save her, but Banks died at the scene. Another woman was also in the car along with the two children, but they weren’t hurt.
“It tears me up. So, I just can’t imagine how these two children are going to feel growing up without their mom,” Dent said.
Police are still investigating and looking for the shooters. If you have any information, you’re asked to call MPD.
