Family of Milwaukee Homicide Victim Holds Vigil as Accused Killer Faces Life in Prison for Triple Murder
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — The family and friends of Lakendrick “KK” Roby gathered Saturday to honor his life and grieve his loss, just days after prosecutors charged 26-year-old Michael Williams with killing Roby and two others in a night of deadly shootings that left Milwaukee shaken.
Williams is accused of fatally shooting three victims — Marcus Smith, 64; Sandra Lee, 50; and Lakendrick Roby, 44 — on October 19, in what prosecutors described as “cold-blooded executions.”
One Night, Three Lives Lost
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, Smith and Lee were shot around 9:30 p.m. near 27th and Atkinson Avenue while walking on the sidewalk. Surveillance video captured the attack, which prosecutors later described as “point blank and deliberate.”
Roughly an hour later, Roby was discovered shot to death inside a car near 31st and Courtland Avenue. Detectives later matched bullet casings from both scenes to the same firearm, linking all three killings to Williams.
“Point blank and in cold blood,” said Prosecutor Sara Beth Hill, describing the shootings during a court hearing. “Quite frankly, it seems like some type of assassination.”
Williams appeared in court over the weekend, where his bond was set at $1 million. He faces three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
Family Honors ‘KK’ Roby at Emotional Vigil
On Saturday, Roby’s loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil, holding one another tightly as they reflected on the man they say brought warmth and strength to everyone around him.
“We’re hurting right now because a piece of our family is gone,” said Mondo Bivens, a close friend.
“KK would give you the shirt off his back,” added Aaron, Roby’s cousin. “His presence here on Earth was powerful.”
Family members said they are struggling to understand why Williams targeted Roby or the other victims, describing the murders as senseless and devastating.
Prosecutors noted that during questioning, Williams allegedly told police he “did the city a favor,” while court documents revealed his family had reported mental health struggles prior to the shootings.
“If you know a relative or someone who is dealing with problems like that, reach out and get them help,” Bivens urged. “It can affect another family like it did ours.”
Community Calls for Awareness and Healing
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to examine motive and mental health history in the case.
For Roby’s family, the vigil was both a tribute and a call for peace — a moment to remind the city of the human cost of violence and the need for stronger community support for mental health.
As Milwaukee continues to mourn the victims of the October 19 triple homicide, community members say they are determined to seek justice and remember those whose lives were cut short. For continuing coverage of crime and community news across Wisconsin, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.