July 15, 2025 7:30p; Update 7-16 with victim ID
(WGTD)---Racine's latest homicide victim apparently died after being caught in a crossfire.
The 37-year-old woman had been out with a friend just after midnight Tuesday. They were in the Uptown area of Washington Ave. and 11th St., according to Deputy Police Chief Jessie Metoyer. "They were just out enjoying themselves (and were) caught entirely as innocent victims between two parties or other individuals who were completely disregarding anyone else's safety and shooting at each other," Metoyer said at a news conference that was called to assure residents that police and community leaders are doing everything possible to combat an uptick in gunplay.
WISN TV identified the victim as Chala Davis-Bell. The station quoted the friend she was with as saying they had just gotten out of a car and were headed across the street to a tavern when shots were fired. At last report, police were trying to identify the gunmen.
The homicide is the city's fourth of the year, compared to two at this time last year. The number of shootings is actually down from last year, although since the beginning of July there've been an average of one a day, according to Police Chief Alex Ramirez.
Ramirez was joined at the afternoon briefing by City Council President Maurice Horton, Community Safety Director Jonathan Tate and by Mayor Cory Mason. "We're focused on several objectives," Mason said. "Obviously we want to identify the parties responsible. We are also just as committed to preventing further violence and supporting the neighborhoods that are most affected. That means resources not just words."
A few hours before the homicide, two friends got into an argument and one shot the other in the leg. The victim is that shooting was expected to survive.
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