A dispute over apartment noise in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ended in tragedy when a man allegedly shot and killed his upstairs neighbour after weeks of ongoing complaints.
Prosecutors say the suspect had repeatedly argued with the victim over noise issues and even threatened violence before the fatal confrontation. The case has shocked the local community and highlights how neighbour disputes can escalate into deadly situations.
Wisconsin Man Charged With Killing Upstairs Neighbour
Joshua Jordan, 32, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, operating a vehicle to flee or elude an officer, and first-degree recklessly endangering safety.
According to court documents, the charges stem from the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Gregory McElwee Jr. at an apartment complex in Milwaukee on Wednesday morning.
Investigators say Jordan lived in a first-floor apartment while McElwee lived directly above him. The two men had reportedly been involved in an ongoing dispute related to noise coming from the upstairs apartment.
Complaints About Noise Continued for Weeks
Authorities say the apartment complex landlord had received numerous complaints from Jordan regarding noise allegedly coming from McElwee’s apartment.
According to investigators, the landlord told police that Jordan had frequently complained about loud sounds occurring at different times of the day and night over the previous month.
Court documents also state that the landlord possessed text messages from Jordan, including one sent in early May that allegedly contained a threat to kill McElwee.
On the morning of the shooting, Jordan reportedly contacted the landlord once again to complain about noise. About 30 minutes later, he allegedly called back and warned that if the landlord did not handle the situation, he would “take care of it himself.”
Confrontation Turns Deadly
The victim’s teenage son was inside the apartment when the incident unfolded. According to investigators, McElwee returned home from work shortly before the shooting.
The son reportedly heard an argument taking place in the hallway between his father and the downstairs neighbour. Concerned about the situation, he moved closer to the apartment door to see what was happening.
Authorities say the teenager began recording the confrontation and observed Jordan carrying a handgun.
According to court records, Jordan allegedly shouted threats at McElwee while the victim attempted to walk away from the confrontation.
Suspect Allegedly Opened Fire
Investigators say Jordan suddenly began firing shots at McElwee. The victim reportedly ran back toward his apartment and managed to get inside before closing the door.
However, prosecutors allege that Jordan continued pursuing him and kicked the apartment door open.
The victim’s son was able to shut and lock the door again, but by then McElwee had already suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.
According to the complaint, McElwee was unable to speak after being shot. His son immediately called emergency services for help.
Emergency Responders Unable to Save Victim
Milwaukee police officers and emergency medical personnel arrived at the apartment complex shortly after receiving the 911 call.
Authorities found McElwee lying on the floor inside the apartment with severe gunshot injuries to his chest.
Despite efforts by emergency responders to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The death has left family members and residents of the apartment complex devastated.
Evidence Recovered at the Scene
Investigators collected multiple pieces of evidence from the crime scene.
Police discovered a fired shell casing and an unfired 9mm cartridge in the hallway outside the apartment. Blood was also found in the area, along with damage to the apartment door consistent with it being forcibly kicked open.
Authorities noted that a shoe print was visible on the damaged door. Detectives later determined that the print appeared similar to a Nike Air Max 95 shoe pattern.
The evidence became an important part of the investigation that followed.
Witness Describes Disturbing Moments After Shooting
Another resident of the apartment complex reportedly witnessed part of the aftermath.
According to court documents, the woman heard loud noises and sounds resembling a struggle in the hallway. When she stepped outside, she allegedly saw a man holding a handgun.
She told investigators that she observed the suspect manipulating the firearm and heard him make statements indicating frustration with the victim.
The witness said she became frightened and raised her hands, fearing she might also be harmed. According to investigators, the suspect told her he would not shoot her before leaving the area.
Suspect Allegedly Led Police on High-Speed Chase
Authorities say Jordan fled the apartment complex before officers arrived.
Police later spotted a black Audi believed to be connected to the suspect. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Jordan allegedly accelerated and tried to evade police.
Investigators say the pursuit reached speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour and continued for several miles before the vehicle crashed.
Jordan was arrested following the crash without further incident.
Search Reveals Additional Evidence
After the arrest, police reportedly noticed that Jordan was wearing Nike Air Max 95 trainers, which investigators believed matched the shoe print found on the apartment door.
Authorities later searched his apartment and recovered a gun case containing unfired Hornady 9mm ammunition.
Investigators believe the ammunition was similar to cartridges found at the crime scene.
The evidence has been included as part of the prosecution’s case against the defendant.
Court Proceedings Continue
Jordan remains in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail as the criminal case moves forward.
A preliminary court hearing has been scheduled for June 11. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence as the legal process continues.
As with all criminal cases, Jordan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
