Christmas Tragedy in Milwaukee: Xziel Ondalow, 15, and 18-Year-Old Victim, Obituary and Death – Two Lives Lost in Heartbreaking Christmas Morning Shooting Near 37th and Scott On the morning of December 25, 2024, Milwaukee was struck by an unfathomable tragedy as 15-year-old Xziel Ondalow and an 18-year-old were shot and killed in a violent altercation near 37th Street and Scott
Christmas Tragedy in Milwaukee: Xziel Ondalow, 15, and 18-Year-Old Victim, Obituary and Death – Two Lives Lost in Heartbreaking Christmas Morning Shooting Near 37th and Scott
On the morning of December 25, 2024, Milwaukee was struck by an unfathomable tragedy as 15-year-old Xziel Ondalow and an 18-year-old were shot and killed in a violent altercation near 37th Street and Scott. This senseless act of violence claimed two young lives, forever altering the course of their families’ Christmas celebrations. Xziel Ondalow was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 18-year-old, whose name has yet to be released, succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital. The Christmas morning shooting has devastated the local community, leaving behind an unfillable void in the hearts of the victim’s loved ones.
The Fatal Shooting: A Day of Celebration Turned to Mourning
Christmas morning, typically a time for joy and togetherness, turned into a nightmare for the families of Xziel Ondalow and the 18-year-old. Authorities reported that the shooting took place around 7:30 AM near the corner of 37th and Scott, in a neighborhood that had been peaceful during the early hours of the day. As the holiday morning dawned, families were preparing to celebrate with their loved ones. But for Xziel and his companion, that morning ended in tragic violence.
Milwaukee police responded to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Upon arriving, they found Xziel, who had already succumbed to his wounds, and the 18-year-old victim critically injured. The 18-year-old was rushed to the hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was declared dead later in the day.
Neighbors who heard the shots described the moment as unsettling. “It was too quiet, and then we just heard gunfire,” said one resident, visibly shaken. “You never expect something like that to happen, especially on Christmas.”
Xziel Ondalow: A Life Cut Short
Xziel Ondalow, only 15 years old, was just beginning to make his mark on the world. Described as a bright and promising teenager, he had big dreams for his future. Family members remember him as a fun-loving, kind-hearted individual who always had a smile on his face. He had a passion for sports, particularly basketball, and was known for his dedication to both his schoolwork and his extracurricular activities.
“He was just a kid who loved life,” said one of Xziel’s cousins, tearfully recalling the joy he brought to those around him. “Xziel had so much ahead of him, and now we’ll never get to see what he could have become.”
Xziel’s family has been devastated by the loss, struggling to come to terms with the violent way his life was taken. His mother, who was too emotional to speak at length, shared her grief, saying, “My baby was my world. I can’t be
lieve he’s gone.”
The 18-Year-Old Victim: A Young Life Lost Too Soon
The second victim, an 18-year-old male, was also caught in the chaos of the shooting. While police have withheld his identity for the time being, those who knew him described him as a young man who had just recently begun to carve his own path in life. He had been working towards finishing high school and was hopeful for his future, but his life was tragically cut short in the early hours of Christmas Day.
Friends and family of the 18-year-old victim have rallied around one another, sharing memories and reflecting on his character. “He was always there for his friends. You could count on him no matter what,” said a friend who knew the victim since childhood. “He didn’t deserve this. No one deserves to have their life taken like that.”
Investigation: The Search for Answers
As the Milwaukee Police Department investigates the shooting, the community is left searching for answers. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full details of the incident, but they are treating the case as a homicide investigation. While there is no known motive at this time, police have suggested that the shooting may have been the result of a personal dispute, though they are exploring all possibilities.
“We are doing everything in our power to find out what led to this tragedy,” said Police Chief Mark Harris in a statement. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to gather information and bring those responsible to justice.”
The Impact on the Community
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Milwaukee community, especially in the area surrounding 37th and Scott, where neighbors are still coming to terms with what happened. For many, Christmas Day was a day that should have been filled with family gatherings and joy, but instead, it became a day marked by tragedy and loss.
Local residents expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the incident. “This is not something that should be happening, especially not on Christmas,” said one local shopkeeper, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years. “It’s devastating to think that two young people are gone, just like that.”
Community leaders and activists have also spoken out, calling for greater efforts to address gun violence in the city. “We can’t keep losing our children to senseless violence,” said activist Rebecca Sims, who works with local youth programs. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the work we still have to do to protect our young people.”
Grief and Mourning: A Family and Community in Shock
As the days pass, the families of Xziel Ondalow and the 18-year-old victim are left to mourn their loved ones. In the wake of the tragedy, friends, family members, and neighbors have gathered to support one another, sharing their grief and trying to process the enormity of the loss.
Xziel’s mother, who spoke through tears, expressed her anger and heartache over the senseless killing of her son. “He didn’t deserve this,” she said. “None of this makes sense. He was just a kid with a future ahead of him.”
The family of the 18-year-old victim, similarly, is struggling with the loss. “We never expected to have to bury him,” said a close relative. “We were supposed to be celebrating together, but now all we have are memories.”
The grief of the community has been palpable, with memorials beginning to pop up near the scene of the shooting. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes have been left in honor of the two victims, symbolizing the love and loss that has affected so many.
The Call for Change
In the wake of this tragedy, there is a growing call for change. Many residents and community leaders are urging local authorities to address the underlying issues contributing to the violence in the city, including access to firearms, gang activity, and a lack of economic opportunities for young people.
“We need to look at the root causes of violence in our community and work together to create safer neighborhoods,” said Rebecca Sims. “Xziel and the 18-year-old victim are just two names in a long list of young lives lost to violence. It’s time for us to act.”
A Grieving Family: The Ripple Effect of Loss
As the days stretch on, the emotional toll of the tragedy continues to be felt throughout the family and the community. For those who knew Xziel and the 18-year-old victim, it is a loss that will never be fully understood. Both families are left to cope with the pain of losing their loved ones in such a violent and senseless manner.
“It’s hard to understand why something like this happens,” said Xziel’s cousin. “It doesn’t seem real. How can someone take the life of someone so young? It’s just devastating.”
Both families have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from the community, but the pain of losing their loved ones will continue to be felt for years to come.
The Long Road Ahead
While the investigation continues and the search for answers presses on, the memories of Xziel Ondalow and the 18-year-old victim will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved them. Though the holidays will never be the same for their families, they are determined to keep their memory alive, honoring their lives and the joy they brought to others.
The road to healing will be long and difficult, but for those who knew Xziel and the 18-year-old, the fight to ensure their memories live on will never cease.
