Independent Detective Case File

Diamond Arberry

Homicide

Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Case Number #176
Date of Incident July 17, 2021
Age 24 DOB: 1997
Type of Case Homicide
Case Entry July 16, 2026
Last Updated July 20, 2026
Overview


Diamond Arberry was a 24-year-old Milwaukee mother of three whose life was cut short during a downtown shooting in the early morning hours of July 17, 2021. Despite multiple arrests related to gunfire that night, investigators have never identified the person who fired the fatal shot. More than four years later, the homicide remains unsolved, and her family continues to advocate publicly for justice.
According to investigators, a large fight broke out inside and outside the ELMNT Lounge in downtown Milwaukee near North Water Street and East Michigan Street shortly after 1:00 a.m. Multiple people became involved in the altercation, and several firearms were discharged as the crowd spilled into the street.


Diamond Arberry was a 24-year-old Milwaukee mother of three whose life was cut short during a downtown shooting in the early morning hours of July 17, 2021. Despite multiple arrests related to gunfire that night, investigators have never identified the person who fired the fatal shot. More than four years later, the homicide remains unsolved, and her family continues to advocate publicly for justice.

What Happened?

According to investigators, a large fight broke out inside and outside the ELMNT Lounge in downtown Milwaukee near North Water Street and East Michigan Street shortly after 1:00 a.m. Multiple people became involved in the altercation, and several firearms were discharged as the crowd spilled into the street.

Diamond Arberry was not believed to be participating in the fight. Witnesses and investigators have stated she was attempting to flee the violence when she was struck by a bullet in the back. She later died from her injuries. Authorities determined that multiple shooters fired weapons during the chaotic incident, making it difficult to determine who fired the fatal round.

The Investigation

Milwaukee Police quickly secured the scene and recovered evidence, including surveillance video and witness statements. Investigators concluded that numerous people fired weapons during the incident.

One man, Robert Jones, was prosecuted after admitting to firing shots into the air during the disturbance. However, investigators determined that none of his bullets struck Diamond Arberry. He pleaded guilty to second-degree recklessly endangering safety, but the identity of the person who fired the fatal shot remains unknown.

The complexity of identifying the fatal shooter has prolonged the investigation. Detectives have repeatedly emphasized that additional witnesses or new information from the public may be necessary to solve the case.

Family’s Continued Search for Justice

Diamond’s mother, Lakia Thomas, has remained one of the strongest public advocates for the investigation. She has organized and participated in community events, remembrance ceremonies, and public rallies urging witnesses to come forward.

In recognition of Diamond’s life, the City of Milwaukee proclaimed July 17 as “Diamond Arberry Day.” While her family appreciated the honor, they have consistently said their primary goal remains identifying the person responsible for her death.

Latest Investigation Update

As of July 2025, Milwaukee Police continue to classify Diamond Arberry’s death as an active homicide investigation.

Four years after the shooting:

Authorities have not announced any new arrests or publicly identified additional suspects.equest tips from anyone with information about Sabah’s disappearance or whereabouts.

No one has been charged with Diamond Arberry’s murder.

Investigators continue to believe someone in the community knows who fired the fatal shot.

Her family has continued holding public rallies calling for justice and encouraging witnesses to cooperate with investigators.

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Facebook Post:
Diamond Arberry was only 24 years old when her life was taken in a senseless act of violence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 17, 2021. She was a young mother of three who had her whole life ahead of her, and her children were her world. That night started like any other, but it ended in tragedy that would leave her family forever changed.

In the early morning hours, a fight broke out inside a nightclub in downtown Milwaukee and quickly spilled out into the streets near Water Street. What should have been a night of people enjoying themselves turned into chaos. As the situation escalated, multiple people began firing guns into the crowd.

Diamond was not part of the fight. She wasn’t looking for trouble. She was trying to get away from it.

As she ran from the danger, she was shot in the back.

She was rushed for help, but her injuries were too severe, and she did not survive. In an instant, three children lost their mother. A family lost someone they loved deeply. A life full of potential was taken for no reason at all.

What makes this case even more heartbreaking is that, despite the number of people present that night and the gunfire that erupted, the person responsible for killing Diamond has never been held accountable. One individual was charged in connection with the shooting that night, but investigators determined that his gunfire was not what took Diamond’s life. That means the person who killed her is still out there.

Her mother and loved ones have refused to let her name be forgotten. They continue to speak out, hold events in her honor, and push for justice. The community has rallied around her family, but support alone cannot replace the answers they desperately need.

Someone knows what happened that night. Someone saw something. Someone has information that could finally bring justice to Diamond and some sense of peace to her children and family.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.

Diamond Arberry was more than a victim. She was a mother, a daughter, and a person who deserved to live. Her children deserve to grow up knowing that their mother’s life mattered and that her story was not ignored.

Justice for Diamond Arberry.

AgencyPurposeContact Information
Milwaukee Police DepartmentLead investigating agencyNon-Emergency: (414) 933-4444
Milwaukee Police Department Homicide UnitInformation related to Diamond Arberry’s homicide(414) 935-7360
Crime Stoppers of MilwaukeeAnonymous tips(414) 224-TIPS (8477) or submit anonymously online
Milwaukee County District Attorney’s OfficeCriminal prosecutionMain Office: (414) 278-4646
DateEvent
July 17, 2021Fight erupts inside and outside ELMNT Lounge in downtown Milwaukee. Multiple people fire weapons. Diamond Arberry is shot while fleeing the violence.
July 17, 2021Milwaukee Police launch a homicide investigation and collect surveillance footage and witness statements.
2021–2022Detectives determine multiple shooters were involved, complicating identification of the fatal shooter.
2022Robert Jones pleads guilty to second-degree recklessly endangering safety for firing shots into the air; investigators determine his bullets did not kill Arberry. (FOX6 News Milwaukee)
July 2023Two-year anniversary marked with renewed public appeals for information. Diamond Arberry Day is recognized by the City of Milwaukee. (FOX6 News Milwaukee)
July 2025Family holds a justice rally at Milwaukee City Hall. Police confirm the homicide investigation remains active with no arrest of the person who fired the fatal shot. (TMJ4 News)

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Map Location

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

On July 17, 2021

Location disclaimer: This map may identify only the general city or surrounding area. It should not be interpreted as the exact location where the homicide occurred, where a person went missing, or where any other case event took place unless an exact location has been independently confirmed and entered.

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