Milwaukee Police Release Video Showing Off-Duty Officer’s Fatal Shooting — Family Says It Was ‘Justified’
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — Newly released video footage from the Milwaukee Police Department shows the October 9 fatal shooting involving an off-duty officer that left 26-year-old Elijah Wilks dead — and even Wilks’ family says the officer’s actions appeared justified after reviewing the footage.
The incident began after a minor fender bender on Mill Road, captured by the officer’s dash camera. The video shows Wilks exiting his vehicle, approaching the off-duty officer, and striking him in the face with a gun before a brief shootout ensued, police said.
Officials released the video on Friday — just days after the shooting — amid public questions about what happened and at the request of Wilks’ family, who wanted transparency.
“When we saw the video for the first time, we were completely silent,” said B’Ivory LaMarr, attorney for the Wilks family. “It was unimaginable. But we had to accept the reality — he [Elijah] definitely brought out the firearm first.”
Video Shows Clear View of the Confrontation
Police said the off-duty officer’s dashcam provided a clear and close vantage point of the confrontation.
“The proximity is within a few feet away, and it depicts the details that are very critical here,” LaMarr explained.
The footage appears to confirm that Wilks brandished a firearm and struck the officer, leading to the officer returning fire.
“If there is a presence of a firearm and the individual feels their life is in jeopardy, that in itself satisfies that requirement,” LaMarr said, referring to self-defense under Wisconsin law.
Family Responds: ‘A Tragic Decision’
Family members expressed grief but said they understood the outcome after seeing the video.
“My nephew made a decision that he should not have made, and that is just something we have to live with,” said Latrice Bell, Wilks’ aunt.
His mother and relatives called the shooting “a tragedy,” but thanked MPD for releasing the footage swiftly and transparently.
“He was a good person — everybody loved my brother,” said Elayjah Wilks, his sister. “It could’ve been any one of us, any one of our kids, because we’re all one decision away from making the wrong one.”
Community Calls for Transparency and Healing
The Milwaukee Police Department said this release was part of its new policy requiring all critical incident videos to be shared within 15 days of the event, and to be shown to families within 48 hours.
In this case, officials said the Wilks family viewed the footage the day after the shooting, and the department made it public within days.
“I think that’s critical for healing for this community,” LaMarr said, adding that full transparency can help prevent misinformation and speculation.
The department’s quick release followed a grainy, unofficial surveillance video posted online over the weekend that had fueled questions about the shooting’s circumstances.
Mother Believes Officer Acted Appropriately
In a statement released Monday, Wilks’ mother said that after viewing the official video, she believes the off-duty officer acted appropriately under the circumstances.
“We saw the truth in that video,” she said. “It was tragic, but we accept what happened.”
The family later held a balloon release in Wilks’ memory, calling it a way to remember their loved one while urging others to make better choices in difficult moments.
The Milwaukee Police Department continues its internal investigation, but officials and family members alike agree the footage confirms the officer’s response was consistent with training and state law.
As Milwaukee continues to process the events of this fatal encounter, the release of bodycam and dashcam footage is being seen as a step toward greater accountability and public trust. For continued updates on police investigations, public safety, and community news across Wisconsin, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.