MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – Two Milwaukee men affiliated with the Wild 100s street gang have been convicted following a weeklong federal jury trial in a murder-for-hire scheme that resulted in a man’s death.
Ronnell Bowman and Lawrence Turner were found guilty Wednesday of murder for hire resulting in death, conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Both men face mandatory life sentences.
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According to federal prosecutors, trial evidence showed that between March 15 and April 5, 2021, Bowman and Turner arranged the killing of a man identified in court documents as N.B. Prosecutors said Bowman offered $10,000 for the murder.
Turner and another gang member — who previously pleaded guilty — carried out the April 5, 2021, shooting, during which the victim suffered more than two dozen gunshot wounds. Authorities said the victim was targeted because of his perceived association with a rival gang.
Evidence also showed Bowman conspired to violate federal firearms laws, including possessing machine guns, transferring firearms to felons and possessing firearms as a felon. Prosecutors said Bowman attempted to intimidate witnesses and conspired to obstruct justice ahead of trial.
Before the murder trial, both Bowman and Turner pleaded guilty to participating in a mail fraud conspiracy involving fraudulent COVID-era unemployment benefit claims. Prosecutors said the scheme defrauded the U.S. Department of Labor of millions of dollars through programs including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The stolen funds were used to purchase firearms, drugs, jewelry, vacations and to finance the murder-for-hire plot.
U.S. Attorney Schimel said the convictions remove violent offenders from the community and highlighted the extensive fraud tied to pandemic relief programs.
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The FBI, ATF and Milwaukee Police Department assisted in the investigation. Law enforcement officials said the case demonstrates continued efforts to dismantle violent gangs and combat large-scale fraud.
Sentencing dates have not yet been announced.
