Last Updated on September 30, 2026 by Ayoko Ahite

MILWAUKEE, September 2026 – Robbiel L. Stokes, a 15-year-old boy, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his classmate, 16-year-old Cameron Bowen, who was shot after the two got off a Milwaukee County Transit System bus on September 19. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Stokes. The latest reports reviewed by ATM News did not confirm that authorities had taken him into custody.

The shooting happened shortly before 5 p.m. near South Layton Boulevard and West Greenfield Avenue. According to the criminal complaint, Bowen and Stokes had a heated exchange while sitting near each other toward the back of the bus before exiting through the rear doors at the same stop. Prosecutors allege that Stokes then pulled a handgun from his sweatshirt and fired at Bowen.

Witnesses told investigators that Bowen ran in front of the bus as Stokes followed him and continued firing. Bowen collapsed in the street and died from multiple gunshot wounds. Local reporting on the complaint says he was shot six times.

Investigators believe the encounter followed a fight between the teenagers at Bay View High School on September 16. A friend of Bowen’s told police that Bowen confronted another student over a stolen item and was suspended afterward. School staff identified Stokes as the student involved in that earlier confrontation, according to reporting on the complaint. Authorities have not announced a definitive motive beyond the circumstances described in the case.

Police also reviewed bus surveillance footage as part of their investigation. According to the complaint, Stokes’ mother identified her son when investigators showed her bus images. She told authorities that he called her after the shooting and asked for a ride and that she dropped him off at his grandmother’s house. Investigators later searched her vehicle and found a .40-caliber cartridge casing that matched the brand and caliber of casings recovered at the scene, according to local reports.

Bowen’s family and friends gathered for a vigil near the shooting scene the following day, placing flowers, candles, balloons, and photographs in his memory. His family said he attended Bay View High School, loved anime, and hoped to study technology in college.

Stokes faces a charge of first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon. The charge is an allegation; he has not been convicted.

Anyone with information about the case can contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360. You can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or through the P3 Tips app.