Milwaukee Community Mourns 31-Year-Old Nya Raymond After Tragic Alley Shooting
MILWAUKEE, WI — The city of Milwaukee is in mourning following the heartbreaking loss of Nya Raymond, a 31-year-old woman whose life was taken in a tragic act of violence early on Tuesday, November 5, 2025. Her body was discovered in an alley near North 41st Street and West Hampton Avenue, a quiet residential area now marked by grief and unanswered questions.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), officers were dispatched to the scene around 9:00 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire from nearby residents. When they arrived, they found Raymond unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders confirmed that she had passed away at the scene despite rapid life-saving efforts.
Authorities quickly secured the area, blocking off several blocks of Hampton Avenue as homicide detectives and forensic teams began collecting evidence. Shell casings were recovered near where Raymond was found, and investigators believe the shooting occurred just minutes before the call came in. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses in an effort to track the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.
Although MPD has not yet identified a motive or a suspect, early indications suggest that the shooting may not have been random. Detectives are exploring possible connections between Raymond and individuals known to frequent the neighborhood. They are also urging the public to come forward with any information that might help bring justice for her family.
In the hours following the discovery, neighbors expressed shock and sorrow, describing the area as typically calm. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had seen Nya in the neighborhood before and remembered her as “a sweet woman who always smiled, even when life seemed heavy.” Others placed candles and flowers near the alley entrance in a spontaneous memorial that continues to grow each evening.
Friends and loved ones describe Nya Raymond as a vibrant, compassionate, and ambitious young woman who had recently been working toward establishing her own small business. She was also known for volunteering at local youth programs, encouraging young women to pursue education and self-confidence. To those closest to her, Nya was “the kind of person who gave even when she didn’t have much.”
Her mother, Janice Raymond, shared through family friends that Nya had been planning to move into a new apartment by the end of the month. “She was excited about the future,” Janice said. “She wanted stability and peace — things every mother wants for her child.”
The Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention has since reached out to the Raymond family to provide support and counseling services. Community activists are also calling for renewed focus on gun violence prevention in the city, stressing that each loss ripples far beyond the statistics.
“Nya’s passing is not just another number,” said Latasha Green, a local advocate with Mothers for Change. “She had dreams, a family, a story. We owe it to her to find out what happened and to make sure this doesn’t keep happening.”
As the investigation continues, police have urged anyone with information to contact the Milwaukee Police Department’s Homicide Division at (414) 935-7360 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS. A reward is being considered for any information leading to an arrest.
Meanwhile, plans are underway for a candlelight vigil in honor of Nya Raymond, set to take place Friday evening near 41st and Hampton, the place where her life ended too soon. Family and friends hope the vigil will not only honor her memory but also inspire action toward ending the violence that continues to claim lives across the city.
As candles flicker against the cold Milwaukee air, one thing remains certain — Nya Raymond’s light, kindness, and courage will not be forgotten. Her family asks for prayers and privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss and wait for justice to be served.
Anyone who saw or heard anything that morning is encouraged to speak up. Nya’s family, her community, and the city deserve answers.