A neighborhood dispute involving children selling bottled water allegedly turned into a violent confrontation that left a 12-year-old boy injured and a Milwaukee woman facing 22 criminal charges. Prosecutors say the incident escalated from a disagreement over where the children could sell water into a shooting, a high-speed police chase, and alleged admissions made from jail.
Prosecutors Say Children’s Water Sale Dispute Escalated Into Shooting
Authorities identified the suspect as 33-year-old Cosetta Burrell. Prosecutors allege the shooting stemmed from a “turf” dispute between Burrell’s son and the victim over where neighborhood children could sell bottled water.
According to court documents, Burrell, accompanied by her girlfriend and several children, allegedly drove around the neighborhood searching for the boy involved in the dispute.
Investigators claim Burrell shot the 12-year-old after locating him near 60th and Silver Spring. Court documents further allege that she also fired at the boy’s brother and that one of the bullets struck a nearby home occupied by several people, including a 2-month-old baby.
The child survived the shooting, although officials have not released details about the extent of his injuries.
Authorities later located the suspect vehicle using Flock camera technology. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, prosecutors allege Burrell led officers on a nearly six-mile pursuit at speeds exceeding 80 mph while four children, including her son, were inside the vehicle.
Burrell now faces 22 criminal charges related to both the shooting and the alleged police chase.
Court Reacts After She Allegedly Called Herself A ‘Hero’
During Burrell’s initial court appearance, prosecutors told the court she had been released from prison just 11 days before the shooting after serving time for a child abuse conviction. They also said she was prohibited from possessing a firearm and was awaiting trial in a separate felony identity theft case.
A court commissioner set Burrell’s bond at $100,000, with her next court appearance scheduled for next week.
The most startling allegation came after Burrell’s arrest. Prosecutors said recorded jail calls captured her allegedly admitting to shooting the 12-year-old while referring to herself as a “hero.”
According to FOX6, the remark prompted an immediate response from Milwaukee County Circuit Court Commissioner Barry Phillips.
“Nobody in the community, nobody in the hood, thinks that somebody that shoots a 12-year-old kid is a hero,” Phillips said. “You are not a hero. If you did this, you’re a zero.”
The case has also generated strong reactions online as details of the allegations continue to emerge.
Burrell has been charged but has not been convicted. The allegations remain subject to the court process as the case moves forward.
