On Thursday, October 19, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded on Milwaukee’s south side, leaving the community shaken. 30-year-old Julio Sostre-Vargas, also known as “Big Pook” or “Pook The Barber,” lost his life in a fatal shooting, while his 5-year-old son sustained serious injuries. This heartbreaking event not only highlights the growing concern about gun violence in our society but also underscores the impact it has on innocent lives.
The Incident: Julio Sostre-Vargas Died
At approximately 4:31 p.m., Milwaukee police responded to a distressing call from the 700 block of S. Layton Blvd. It was there that they found Julio Sostre-Vargas, a male victim, with multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Sostre-Vargas could not be saved and was pronounced deceased at Froedtert Hospital. The loss of this young man’s life sent shockwaves throughout the community.
In addition to the death of Julio Sostre-Vargas, his 5-year-old son was shot in the face during the incident. However, the child remained responsive and was transported to Children’s Hospital in critical condition. The fact that such a young child was caught up in this violence is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of gun violence.
Investigation and Witness Accounts
According to witnesses at the scene, the incident occurred when Sostre-Vargas was driving northbound on S. Layton Blvd. As he approached the intersection of W. Pierce St. and S. Layton Blvd., he came to a stop due to a red traffic light. It was at this point that a light tan or silver SUV began to approach, following the victims.
In a horrifying turn of events, the SUV pulled up alongside the driver’s side and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. More than 12 shots were fired, with at least 10 of them striking the driver’s window, proving to be fatal for Sostre-Vargas. The entire ordeal was later circulated on social media, drawing attention to the tragedy.
The Aftermath
The crime scene was marked by the discovery of at least 15 spent cartridges, a grim testament to the violence that had taken place. Shockingly, the SUV, which carried an unknown number of suspects, fled the scene before the arrival of the police and first responders from the Milwaukee Fire Department.
While a woman who had accompanied the victims during the shooting was thankfully unharmed physically, the emotional scars of witnessing such a traumatic event are sure to linger.
