Milwaukee man charged in Oak Creek fatal shooting as investigators examine surveillance and cellphone evidence
Charge filed after December shooting death in Oak Creek
A 29-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime in connection with a fatal shooting in Oak Creek that left a 22-year-old man dead late last year.
The victim was identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office as Luis Ares, 22, of West Allis. Authorities say Ares was shot on the morning of Dec. 23, 2025, near the College Court Apartments, a residential complex near South 20th Street and West College Avenue.
What authorities say happened
Police were dispatched shortly after 8 a.m. on Dec. 23 after multiple 911 callers reported gunfire in the area. Ares was found inside a white GMC Acadia suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Early public updates from investigators described the case as an isolated incident, with no immediate danger to the public at that time. The scene was secured as investigators collected evidence and canvassed the area for information.
Arrest and court timeline
The defendant, London Johnson of Milwaukee, was taken into custody on Jan. 23, 2026, following investigative steps that included search warrants. An initial court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026.
Johnson is charged as a party to a crime, a Wisconsin legal designation that can apply when prosecutors allege a person directly committed an offense or intentionally aided and abetted its commission.
Evidence cited in the criminal complaint
The criminal complaint describes a shooting involving two vehicles, based on witness accounts and investigative findings. Investigators also cite surveillance video and cellphone data as key components of the case, indicating those materials place Johnson with the suspect vehicle before, during and after the shooting.
Date and location: Dec. 23, 2025, near South 20th Street and West College Avenue in Oak Creek.
Victim: Luis Ares, 22, of West Allis.
Charge: First-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime.
Key evidence described: Surveillance video and cellphone data, along with witness reports of gunfire involving two vehicles.
What remains unresolved
Court proceedings will determine what evidence is admitted and how the case is ultimately resolved. Authorities have not publicly detailed a motive or clarified the roles of any other potential participants referenced by the “party to a crime” allegation.
Anyone with information related to the Dec. 23, 2025 shooting has been directed to contact the Oak Creek Police Department’s assigned detective.
The case remains under review as it moves through Milwaukee County court.