On a day that is typically reserved for celebration, joy, and family togetherness, the Milwaukee community was instead plunged into sorrow as a Christmas morning shooting claimed the lives of 15-year-old Xziel Ondalow and an 18-year-old whose name has not yet been publicly released. The tragedy unfolded near the intersection of 37th Street and Scott Avenue, an area that, while known for its close-knit community, has not been immune to the pervasive issues of gun violence that continue to plague cities across the United States. Xziel was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. The devastating loss of these two young lives has left families grieving, neighbors shaken, and a city grappling with the larger implications of this senseless act of violence.
Authorities were alerted to the shooting just after 9:00 a.m. on December 25th, responding to frantic 911 calls reporting gunfire in the usually quiet residential neighborhood. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers discovered Xziel’s lifeless body outside a home, his injuries the result of multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics worked tirelessly to stabilize the 18-year-old victim, who had sustained critical injuries during the incident, but despite their best efforts, he passed away shortly thereafter at a local trauma center. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, and police have not yet identified any suspects or established a clear motive. However, officials have indicated that the incident may have stemmed from a personal dispute that tragically escalated into violence.
For Xziel’s family, the news was nothing short of earth-shattering. A bright and spirited teenager, Xziel was well-loved by his family, friends, and teachers, who describe him as a kind, curious, and ambitious young man with a promising future. He had recently expressed interest in pursuing a career in engineering, inspired by his love of problem-solving and technology. His mother, Ana Ondalow, who was too distraught to speak at length, shared through a family spokesperson that her son “was a gift to everyone who knew him” and that his absence leaves “a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.” The family had been preparing to celebrate Christmas together, with gifts under the tree and a special dinner planned, when their world was turned upside down by the horrifying news.
The 18-year-old victim, whose name has not been released pending notification of his family, was similarly described as a compassionate and hardworking individual who had recently graduated high school and was looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life. Friends remember him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and who had a talent for making others laugh even in the most difficult of times. His untimely death has left his loved ones grappling with a mix of shock, anger, and profound sadness, with many struggling to comprehend how such violence could occur on a day meant to symbolize peace and goodwill.
The neighborhood where the shooting took place is now marked by an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional passerby leaving flowers, candles, and notes at an impromptu memorial set up near the site of the tragedy. Residents have expressed a mix of grief and frustration, with many pointing to the broader issue of gun violence in Milwaukee as a factor that cannot be ignored. While the city has made strides in recent years to address crime and improve community safety, incidents like this serve as stark reminders of the work that remains to be done.
Gun violence has long been a persistent issue in Milwaukee, mirroring trends seen in urban centers across the nation. According to data from the Milwaukee Police Department, the city has experienced a concerning rise in shootings over the past decade, with youth disproportionately affected by the violence. Community leaders have attributed this trend to a combination of factors, including poverty, lack of access to education and job opportunities, and the proliferation of firearms. While law enforcement agencies continue to focus on prevention and intervention strategies, activists and community organizations argue that addressing the root causes of violence requires a more comprehensive approach that includes investments in education, mental health services, and economic development.
In the wake of the Christmas morning tragedy, local leaders and activists have renewed their calls for action, urging city officials and lawmakers to prioritize gun control measures and community-based solutions. “We cannot allow this to become the norm,” said Maria Hernandez, a prominent anti-violence advocate and founder of the nonprofit group Milwaukee United Against Gun Violence. “Two young lives were stolen from us on a day that should have been about love and joy. This is unacceptable, and we need to come together as a community to demand change.”
As the investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman held a press conference to address the incident, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and emphasizing the department’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. “This was a senseless act of violence that has left two families grieving and a community heartbroken,” Chief Norman said. “We are doing everything in our power to investigate this case thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. But we also need the community’s help. If anyone has any information, no matter how small, please come forward.”
The families of Xziel Ondalow and the 18-year-old victim have also pleaded for justice, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to speak out. In a statement released through a family representative, Ana Ondalow expressed her hope that the tragedy would serve as a wake-up call to address the violence that has claimed so many lives in Milwaukee. “No parent should ever have to bury their child,” she said. “We need to come together as a community to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain we are feeling right now.”
While the investigation unfolds, the Milwaukee community has rallied around the families of the victims, offering support in the form of donations, meals, and messages of condolence. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance to the Ondalow family as they navigate this difficult time. The campaign has already raised thousands of dollars, with contributions pouring in from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike who have been moved by the story of Xziel’s life and the tragic circumstances of his death.
As the community mourns, many are also reflecting on the broader societal implications of the tragedy. Experts in youth violence prevention have highlighted the need for early intervention programs that address the underlying factors contributing to violence, such as trauma, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities. Schools, in particular, play a critical role in providing support and resources to at-risk youth, and advocates have called for increased funding for programs that promote positive mentorship, conflict resolution, and emotional well-being.
The Christmas morning shooting near 37th and Scott serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of gun violence. For the families of Xziel Ondalow and the 18-year-old victim, the road ahead will be one of profound grief and loss, as they grapple with the reality of lives cut far too short. For the Milwaukee community, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the epidemic of violence and create a safer, more hopeful future for all.
As the candles burn brightly at the makeshift memorial and prayers are offered for the victims and their families, the memory of Xziel and the 18-year-old will continue to resonate, serving as a poignant call to honor their lives by striving for a world where such senseless acts of violence become a thing of the past.
