Milwaukee 4-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot; Man Sentenced

Anthony Brookshire receives 15 years in prison for 2025 shooting death of Jainadia Little.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Anthony Brookshire was sentenced to 15 years in prison plus 7 years of extended supervision for the 2025 shooting death of 4-year-old Jainadia Little in Milwaukee. Brookshire pleaded guilty in December 2025 to second-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and its devastating impact on young, innocent lives in Milwaukee. The case raises questions about access to firearms, the need for stronger gun control measures, and how to better support families and communities affected by such senseless acts of violence.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a 911 call on February 17, 2025 where they found the 4-year-old girl had been shot. Brookshire and the girl's aunt, Derreanna Little, took the child to the hospital, where she later died. Police found evidence at the scene, including a 7.62x39 casing on the mattress and two loaded firearms in a vehicle outside the home. Brookshire's fingerprints were found on one of the guns. The accounts from Brookshire and Little about what happened changed multiple times during police interviews.

  • On February 17, 2025, police responded to a 911 call about the shooting.
  • On February 18, 2025, the 4-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the hospital.
  • In December 2025, Brookshire pleaded guilty to charges.
  • On February 25, 2026, Brookshire was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The players

Anthony Brookshire

A Milwaukee resident who pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the 2025 shooting death of 4-year-old Jainadia Little.

Jainadia Little

The 4-year-old girl who was fatally shot in Milwaukee in February 2025.

Derreanna Little

The aunt of Jainadia Little who was present at the time of the shooting and took the wounded child to the hospital.

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What’s next

Derreanna Little is still going through the court process, with her next hearing scheduled for March 27.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence, including improved access to mental health resources, stronger regulations on firearm ownership, and community-based programs that provide support and opportunities for at-risk youth.