U.S. Marshals took 37-year-old Martell D. Haire into custody in Oklahoma after an Oct. 20 shooting in Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE — A man charged in a triple shooting that killed 16-year-old Marquis Champion near 79th St. and W. Hampton Ave. was arrested in Oklahoma this week, officials said. U.S. Marshals apprehended Martell D. Haire on Wednesday in the Oklahoma City area after a multi-state search.
Authorities said Haire is accused of opening fire inside a Milwaukee home on Oct. 20, killing Champion and injuring two others. The case drew wide attention because Champion was the nephew of Milwaukee Alderman Mark Chambers Jr. Investigators coordinated across agencies and states after Haire left Wisconsin following the shooting. With the arrest, prosecutors and police said the case is moving into the next phase as they work to return Haire to Milwaukee to face charges connected to the fatal gunfire.
Police said the shooting happened inside a residence near 79th and Hampton on Oct. 20 after an argument. Two people with Champion were also struck and survived. Chambers, the second district alderman, said Wednesday the arrest was “a huge relief” for his family and the other victims’ loved ones. He thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and officers in Oklahoma for making the arrest. The Milwaukee Police Department said Haire fled after the shooting; investigators later developed information that led them to the Oklahoma City area. Marshals took Haire into custody Wednesday afternoon without further injuries reported.
According to charging documents summarized by local officials, Haire faces one count of first-degree reckless homicide with a dangerous weapon, two counts of first-degree reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office said the charges stem directly from the Oct. 20 gunfire that killed Champion. Officials said two wounded victims are recovering. Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the argument or the recovered firearm. Investigators did not announce any additional suspects.
Champion’s death added to a series of shootings on Milwaukee’s northwest side this fall. The block near 79th and Hampton includes single-family homes and small apartment buildings. Aldermen and neighborhood leaders have pushed for cooperation with detectives and support for victims’ families. Chambers said his nephew was sitting in a kitchen when the gunman entered and fired, and that the loss reshaped his family’s life. In recent days, Crime Stoppers and a local law firm publicized a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest; city officials also credited news coverage for helping circulate the suspect’s photo.
Officials said Haire was booked in Oklahoma after the arrest and is expected to face extradition proceedings. Once returned to Milwaukee County, he would make an initial appearance on the felony counts before a court commissioner, followed by a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. Prosecutors said they will continue coordinating with federal and Oklahoma authorities to transfer custody. No court dates were immediately announced Wednesday; officials said updates will follow when transport is scheduled.
By nightfall, neighbors near 79th and Hampton left small bouquets outside the home where police worked last month. “We’ve been waiting for this,” said Larry Carter, who lives nearby. “Maybe the family can breathe a little.” At City Hall, Chambers thanked investigators again and said the family is preparing for court. A woman who said she grew up with Champion’s mother described him as “quiet and funny,” adding, “Sixteen is too young.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Haire remained in Oklahoma custody while Milwaukee authorities prepared extradition paperwork. The police investigation into the Oct. 20 shooting is ongoing, and officials said further updates will be provided when transport and initial court appearances are set.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 14, 2025.