Two people were shot at a Milwaukee wedding after an argument over how a groomsman was eating meatballs, according to a criminal complaint. The confrontation unfolded in a matter of minutes, transforming a celebratory gathering into a crime scene. The bride’s cousin, who became one of the victims, later recounted the sequence of events to police, describing how a seemingly minor dispute over etiquette spiraled into violence. The incident occurred in the kitchen of Aria banquet hall, a venue typically reserved for joyous occasions.
The incident happened June 20 at the hall on West Fond du Lac Avenue. Police arrived to find a man with a gunshot wound to the neck and a woman injured in the arm and leg, both requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency responders transported the victims to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for their wounds before being released.
The female victim, identified as the bride’s cousin, told officers she saw a groomsman eating meatballs with his hands in the kitchen. When she asked him to use a plate, he responded by punching her, the complaint states. The request itself was not unusual—many events provide utensils and plates to maintain hygiene and decorum—but the groomsman’s reaction was disproportionate. The cousin’s attempt to enforce basic dining etiquette set off a chain reaction that would soon involve multiple people.
Related: Man fires 7 bullets at neighbor’s garage
The altercation escalated quickly. Witnesses said Thomas Redrick Williams, 41, a friend of the groomsman, fired the shots. Three people, including the bride, later identified Williams in a photo lineup, providing police with a clear suspect. The complaint did not detail whether Williams had been involved in the initial dispute or if he intervened on behalf of his friend.
After the shooting, Williams tried to leave in his SUV. The bride wrestled his key fob away to stop him, the complaint says. Her actions prevented him from driving off, but he fled on foot instead, disappearing into the surrounding neighborhood. The bride’s quick thinking likely prevented further harm. She later told police she recognized Williams as someone she knew by the nickname “Boog,” indicating he was not a stranger to the wedding party.
Police found a 9 mm handgun on the floor of the SUV, which belonged to Williams’ wife. An envelope with his name was also inside, linking him directly to the vehicle. The discovery of the firearm confirmed that Williams had been armed during the event. The SUV itself was parked near the banquet hall, making it an easily accessible escape route before the bride disrupted his plans.
Williams faces charges of first-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and bail jumping. He remains at large as of Sunday, with police continuing their search. The charges reflect the seriousness of the incident, particularly the reckless use of a firearm in a public setting. First-degree reckless injury carries significant penalties in Wisconsin, including potential prison time, while the firearm possession charge stems from his prior felony record. The bail jumping charge indicates he may have been on release for another offense at the time of the shooting, complicating his legal situation further.
Related: Man sends RAV4 airborne after mom fight witnesses
Weddings rarely end with gunfire, but this one did—over a plate of meatballs and a pair of bare hands. The absurdity of the trigger shows how quickly social gatherings can turn volatile when tempers flare. The venue, a two-story brick building near a gas station, had been a fixture in the community for years, hosting everything from birthday parties to corporate events. Its unassuming exterior belied the chaos that unfolded inside on the night of June 20. Patrons who had attended previous functions there described it as a reliable, if unremarkable, space for celebrations.
The banquet hall has hosted events for years. Neighbors described it as a quiet venue until the night of the shooting. The location’s proximity to a busy avenue meant that emergency responders were able to arrive quickly, but it also provided Williams with multiple escape routes once he fled on foot. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses may have captured his movements, though police have not confirmed whether they have reviewed such evidence.
Court records show Williams has prior convictions, including a 2012 felony for substantial battery. Wisconsin law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, a restriction he clearly violated. His criminal history includes offenses that demonstrate a pattern of violent behavior, raising questions about how he obtained the 9 mm handgun found in the SUV. The substantial battery conviction from over a decade earlier involved a physical altercation, though details of that case were not included in the complaint. His status as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm adds another layer of legal consequences to the current charges.
Related: How to Choose the Best Law Firm for Your Needs
One witness told police the shooter seemed calm before the incident, laughing with guests just minutes earlier. The complaint does not specify what set him off, leaving his sudden shift in demeanor unexplained. Witnesses described Williams as engaging in casual conversation with other attendees before the argument erupted, making his violent reaction all the more jarring.
The victims were treated at a local hospital and later released. Their names have not been made public, and authorities have not disclosed further details about their conditions. Both victims’ decision to cooperate with police, including participating in the photo lineup, provided key evidence in identifying Williams as the shooter.
Milwaukee police continue to search for Williams. Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities. The manhunt has likely involved canvassing the neighborhood around the banquet hall, reviewing surveillance footage, and following up on tips from the public. Williams’ prior criminal record may give investigators insight into his possible hideouts or associates who could be harboring him.
Leave a Reply