Vanessa DeHerrera and Scott Bucholz died Saturday night near 21st and Pierce streets in a shooting police say was domestic violence-related.
MILWAUKEE, WI — Family members have identified 26-year-old Vanessa DeHerrera and 29-year-old Scott Bucholz as the two people killed in a double shooting Saturday night on Milwaukee’s south side, as police investigate the case as part of two connected shootings that left three people dead.
Milwaukee police responded around 9:40 p.m. Aug. 8 to the area near 21st and Pierce streets. Officers found a 26-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man with fatal gunshot wounds, and both were pronounced dead at the scene. Their families later identified them as DeHerrera and Bucholz. Police have described the double homicide as domestic violence-related.
DeHerrera’s relatives said she and Bucholz were friends and that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute involving another person. Her family said DeHerrera had recently moved in with a cousin as she tried to distance herself from a man with whom she had an on-and-off relationship. Police have not publicly detailed the circumstances that led to the gunfire or independently confirmed all of the family’s account.
DeHerrera was a mother of two young boys, ages 2 and 5, according to her family. Relatives remembered her as outgoing and devoted to her children. Her cousin and best friend said she had been exchanging text messages with DeHerrera only minutes before the shooting. Family members said they are now focused on caring for the children and mourning a loss they said happened without warning.
Bucholz’s relatives said he became involved because he was trying to help a friend during the dispute. His family described him as loyal and caring and said he enjoyed music, cooking and spending time with relatives and friends. He would have turned 30 in October, according to his family. Relatives of DeHerrera also publicly acknowledged Bucholz for trying to help during the confrontation.
A neighbor told local news outlets that she was home with her children when she heard several loud sounds from a nearby apartment and then heard people running in the hallway. Police have not released a detailed sequence of events, said what evidence was recovered at the scene or publicly identified the weapon involved. Investigators initially said they were searching for whoever was responsible.
Police later connected the deaths of DeHerrera and Bucholz to another fatal shooting about 25 minutes later near 39th Street and Townsend Avenue. A 39-year-old victim was shot there around 10:05 p.m. and later died at a hospital. Family and friends identified that victim as Shamarla “Asir” Hare, whom loved ones described as a Navy veteran. Police said the same known suspect was being sought in connection with both shootings but did not immediately release his name.
The investigation changed Tuesday when Milwaukee police arrested a 36-year-old man they identified as the suspect in the two shootings. Police said officers attempted to make contact with him around 12:15 p.m. before he barricaded himself, leading to a standoff near 84th Street and Fiebrantz Avenue. The man was eventually taken into custody. Authorities have not publicly announced criminal charges against him, and an arrest does not establish guilt.
The three deaths remain under investigation. Police said the case will be presented for review as authorities determine what charges, if any, will be filed against the man in custody. Investigators have not publicly released a full account of how the two shooting scenes were connected or identified a motive beyond describing the incidents as related to domestic violence.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 12, 2026.