Man with mental illness history killed
Blackmon shot in feud at convenience store
Milwaukee police have made arrests in two of three recent homicides in the city, including a case in which a man with a history of mental illness was fatally shot during an argument.
Jonathan M. Blackmon, 37, went into a gas station convenience store on West Lisbon Avenue, near North 32nd Street, about 11 p.m. Sunday and became involved in a verbal argument, police said.
As he and others left the store, the confrontation escalated and another man grabbed a gun and shot Blackmon, according to police. He died at the scene.
Police say they have suspects in custody and will refer them to prosecutors for charges in the coming days.
Store security footage obtained by WITI-TV (Channel 6) showed Blackmon pulling someone by a jacket and arguing with another man before the shooting in the parking lot.
His family has said his actions likely were influenced by his mental health status.
Blackmon “was diagnosed with bipolar, clinical depression, and a severe manic disorder which caused him to react in ways that was drastically different from the Jon we all know,” according to an online fundraising page set up by his family for funeral expenses.
Blackmon had previously been treated for a mental health condition after he was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect of several misdemeanor charges in 2016.
He was committed to the state Department of Health and Family Services for about a year, online court records show.
“Jon had a charismatic attitude and outlook on life and we are saddened by his sudden and tragic death,” his brother, Justin Blackmon, wrote, adding: “Mental health should be taken seriously.”
The online page has raised about $1,400 of its $3,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon.
Many of those who donated shared memories of Jonathan Blackmon performing with the Milwaukee Public Theatre.
“Jonathan was endlessly creative, fun, caring and a joy to work with,” wrote Barbara Leigh, founder of Milwaukee Public Theatre. “His ability to share his own experiences with other youth helped them to open up and share their own. He will be greatly missed.”
Donations are being accepted online at www.gofundme.com/
funeral-for-jonathan-blackmon.