Madison woman charged in fatal parking garage shooting

Authorities say the incident occurred in a downtown parking structure.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on the ground, the sole focus of the image representing the physical evidence of a crime without depicting any actual violence or victims.The stark flash of a single shell casing left behind in a downtown parking garage highlights the tragic aftermath of a fatal shooting that has shaken the Madison community.Madison Today

A 32-year-old Madison woman has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in a downtown parking garage. Police responded to reports of gunfire on the third floor of the structure and found a 28-year-old man with a fatal gunshot wound.

Why it matters

This incident has shaken the community and raised concerns about public safety in downtown Madison. The parking garage where the shooting occurred is a heavily trafficked area, and the loss of life has left many residents feeling unsettled.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the suspect, Samantha Wilkins, and the victim, Ethan Nguyen, had been involved in an ongoing dispute. Wilkins allegedly approached Nguyen in the parking garage and the two got into an argument, which escalated to Wilkins pulling out a handgun and shooting Nguyen multiple times.

  • The incident occurred on the evening of March 30, 2026.
  • Police were called to the scene around 8:15 pm.

The players

Samantha Wilkins

A 32-year-old Madison resident who has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the shooting.

Ethan Nguyen

A 28-year-old man who was fatally shot in the parking garage incident.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tragic loss of life that has shaken our community. We are committed to a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.”

— Chief of Police Olivia Ramirez, Madison Police Department

What’s next

Wilkins is being held in the Dane County Jail without bail. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for April 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and promote public safety in downtown Madison. Community leaders and law enforcement will likely focus on reviewing security measures and conflict resolution programs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.