Jerry Rhodes Obituary, Death: Milwaukee police say 70-year-old man killed in home invasion.

Jerry Rhodes Obituary, Death – Milwaukee authorities are conducting a homicide investigation following a fatal home invasion that took the life of a 70-year-old man early Friday morning. The incident occurred inside a senior living facility, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit retirement community.
The Milwaukee Police Department reported that the violent intrusion happened shortly after midnight at around 12:10 a.m. at the Plymouth Apartments, a senior housing complex located near North 8th and West Galena streets in the Hillside neighborhood. The victim, later identified by family members as Jerry Rhodes, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering fatal injuries during the attack.
Investigators said Rhodes had been assaulted, and initial evidence pointed to blunt force trauma. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner responded to the scene and confirmed Rhodes’s death. Residents were left stunned and shaken by the tragedy, which unfolded within a community meant to offer peace and security for its elderly residents.
Johnny Watson, a neighbor who lives within the gated complex, expressed his disbelief and sorrow over the situation. “I just happened to be looking out the window when I saw the medical examiner and two other men arrive,” he said. “They came into the complex and carried the body out. I was like, ‘Wow, this is ridiculous that something like this could happen in a place that’s supposed to be secure, where seniors live. We’re not safe even in our own homes. It’s terrible.’”
Authorities confirmed that the home invasion was not a random act of violence. Police believe the attack was targeted and that the suspect is someone known to the department. However, as of Friday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and the identity of the suspect has not been publicly disclosed.
The incident has raised concerns not only among the residents of the Plymouth Apartments but also throughout Milwaukee’s senior communities. Many residents and family members are now questioning the effectiveness of the building’s security measures and calling for increased protection for vulnerable populations living in similar facilities.
The Plymouth Apartments, a housing complex specifically designed for senior citizens, is considered a gated community, and many residents had long felt a sense of security living there. The idea that someone could breach that security and carry out such a violent attack has shattered the sense of safety for many.
Police are urging anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward. Those with tips are encouraged to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 414-224-TIPS or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
This tragedy has also reignited discussions about the broader issue of violence in the city and the challenges faced in keeping residents safe, particularly the elderly. While the police are confident that this was not a random attack, the fact that such a brutal crime could happen within a senior complex has residents and their families on edge.
As investigators continue to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses, community members have begun to leave flowers and notes near the apartment complex in memory of Jerry Rhodes. Rhodes is being remembered by neighbors and friends as a kind and gentle man who enjoyed quiet days in the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
The Milwaukee Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working diligently to build a case and bring the responsible party to justice. Authorities have not released any additional details about the suspect or what may have motivated the attack. In the meantime, residents are banding together, supporting each other, and hoping for swift justice and reassurance that measures will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
This incident marks another heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability many seniors face, and community leaders are expected to call for stronger protections for elderly residents in the coming days. With the suspect still at large, the community continues to mourn the loss of Jerry Rhodes while demanding answers and accountability.