Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fatal Shooting

James Mann Jr. pleaded no contest to reckless homicide in 2025 killing near MLK and Concordia

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A Milwaukee County judge sentenced James Mann Jr. to 30 years in prison plus 15 years of extended supervision for a fatal shooting near MLK Jr. Drive and Concordia Avenue in February 2025. Mann pleaded no contest to a charge of first-degree reckless homicide as part of a plea deal.

Why it matters

The shooting death in Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the city. The case also demonstrated the importance of surveillance footage, witness accounts, and digital evidence in building a criminal case against a suspect.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Milwaukee police responded to a shooting on February 14, 2025 and found the victim, Carl Thurmond, dead on the sidewalk. Surveillance video showed the suspect, later identified as James Mann Jr., approaching Thurmond, extending a handgun, and firing multiple shots. Witnesses corroborated the video evidence, and police recovered the suspect's cellphone and ammunition matching the crime scene at his residence.

  • On February 14, 2025, Milwaukee police responded to a shooting near MLK Jr. Drive and Concordia Avenue.
  • On February 16, 2025, Milwaukee police arrested James Mann Jr. at an address on N. 22nd Street.
  • On February 2, 2026, Mann pleaded no contest to a charge of first-degree reckless homicide.
  • On March 13, 2026, a Milwaukee County judge sentenced Mann to 30 years in prison plus 15 years of extended supervision.

The players

James Mann Jr.

A Milwaukee resident who pleaded no contest to a charge of first-degree reckless homicide and was sentenced to 30 years in prison plus 15 years of extended supervision for a fatal shooting in 2025.

Carl Thurmond

The victim who was fatally shot near MLK Jr. Drive and Concordia Avenue in Milwaukee in February 2025.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow James Mann Jr. to be released on bail while he appeals his sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of surveillance footage, witness accounts, and digital evidence in building criminal cases, as well as ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in Milwaukee neighborhoods.