On April 14 — Milwaukee’s unofficial “414 Day,” celebrating the city’s area code — 35-year-old David Krause was out enjoying the evening when severe storms hit. According to reports, Krause asked three teenagers for a ride in the Walker’s Point neighborhood near 1st and Greenfield. He was later found shot and killed in an alley.
Surveillance video reportedly captured Krause getting into a vehicle with the teens. Minutes later, he tried to exit and run toward a nearby bar, but was fatally shot. Three juveniles were charged with felony murder in connection with his death. Because they are minors, their names have not been publicly released.
The case has drawn attention due to the circumstances: a seemingly random encounter during a local celebration that ended in violence amid bad weather. One teen was briefly mistakenly released from custody earlier in the process but was re-arrested.
Months later, the legal process continues to weigh heavily on Krause’s family. David’s father, Kevin Krause, has spoken out about the repeated court hearings for each of the three teens, describing it as a “worst nightmare.”
In a waiver hearing held Tues. July 21, for one 16-year-old (with a prior record including weapon possession, car theft, and battery), testimony claims the teen has a traumatic background, including reports of physical and sexual abuse. The hearing was continued to Thurs. July 23 without a decision on whether the teen would be tried as an adult. Separately, another 16-year-old was ruled ineligible for adult court.
Kevin Krause expressed deep frustration: “We need some justice… We love David and miss him so dearly.” He noted the family has attended over a dozen hearings and called for stronger accountability in the system to drive change.
The case remains ongoing, with the painful court process continuing for the Krause family as they seek resolution for their loss on what should have been a day of Milwaukee pride. The Krause homicide is part of a string of shootings and homicides to occur in downtown Milwaukee’s popular tourist areas this year, including Water Street and Brady Street.
