Family Says Milwaukee Police Shooting of 26-Year-Old Man Was Justified After Viewing Bodycam Footage

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – The family of Elijah Wilks, a 26-year-old man killed during an encounter with an off-duty Milwaukee police officer, says the shooting was justified after reviewing video footage of the deadly incident.

Footage Shows Wilks Pulled a Gun, Attorney Confirms

According to family attorney B’Ivory LaMarr, the video — recorded by the officer’s personal dashboard camera — captures the moments before the confrontation near North 49th Street and West Mill Road.

The footage shows Wilks allegedly cutting off the officer in traffic, which led to a collision. After both men exited their vehicles, Wilks reportedly pulled out a gun and struck the officer in the face before an exchange of gunfire occurred.

Wilks was shot and killed at the scene.

Family Calls the Incident “Out of Character”

Attorney LaMarr said the family was shown the video within 24 hours of the incident, well before the standard 48-hour release period.

“I don’t think I’ve ever come before and did a press conference and said this,” LaMarr told reporters. “But we will acknowledge that we do believe that this officer-involved shooting was justified.”

While the family agreed that the officer’s actions were appropriate, they described Wilks as “outgoing, friendly, and supportive” — and said the behavior captured in the video was deeply out of character.

Wilks’s mother reportedly met with Milwaukee police officials before viewing the footage and thanked the department for its transparency in handling the case.

Police Department Praised for Quick Response

The family publicly thanked the Milwaukee Police Department for providing access to the video evidence so quickly. The department also released a statement offering condolences while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability in all officer-involved incidents.

The off-duty officer involved has not been publicly identified but remains on administrative leave pending the conclusion of an internal review.

As the investigation continues, community leaders have praised the family for their measured response and willingness to review the evidence before drawing conclusions. For updates on Milwaukee-area public safety and community news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.