Nikeya Shumake and Askia Strong had been dating for 17 years since they were 15 years old.
Trigger Warning: This article contains graphic details of violence that may be distressing to readers.
A woman from Milwaukee was shot at least 14 times by her ex-boyfriend in front of their children. Nikeya Shumake, 32, got into an argument with her ex Askia Strong, also 32, after which the latter chased her out of her minivan and shot at her, firing at least 14 rounds. Her 12-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son got out of the car to stop their father from killing their mother. He then ran down the alley, leaving Shumake on the ground, bleeding. Despite being shot in the head, stomach, arms, and legs at close range, Shumake miraculously got back up.
Search continues for Askia Strong, man wanted for shooting his ex-girlfriend 14 times in Milwaukee. https://t.co/QdAVHd7pPt
— The Tornado News (@TheTornadoNews) October 1, 2022
"When I opened my eyes and I seen my baby, my eyes were able to focus. So I just got up a little bit and was like oh, I can stand up, and then just stood up all the way. Then I grabbed my babies, I seen the lady, she was just sitting there watching and I opened her door, pushed her laundry over, and was like can you please just take me?" she told CBS 58.
The entire incident was captured on surveillance video. Shumake wants the public to see it, not only to see how traumatizing it was for her and her children but also to help find her ex-partner of 17 years and send him to jail. "I would like the whole video to be played so people can understand from my point of view, and from my kids' point of view. So they can actually see how we were feeling during that moment," she said. "And to know that someone they call dad, someone we once loved, to turn his back on us."
She also wanted to remind women to find the courage to get out of abusive relationships. "Some girls don't even feel like they in domestic violence because they're like 'I fight back, I stand up for myself,' or they are just giving themselves so many reasons why they are not going through domestic violence. But if they really step back and look, domestic violence comes in so many different forms," she said.
Tune in today on the @CBS58 news at 4pm. We sit down with Nikeya Shumake who was shot 14+ times in front of her 3 kids and survived. Her boyfriend Askia Strong is the suspect & on the run. Shooting caught on video. Help solve her case. @StopCrimeMKE pic.twitter.com/GyPxe9LZy3
— Amanda Porterfield (@PorterfieldNews) September 29, 2022
Despite the almost-fatal incident, the mother-of-three is not afraid. Her ex has been harassing her on social media from wherever he is. "Why would I live in fear? God don't want you to live in fear. He didn't let me live to live in fear. The moment I got up off that ground I was a hero. It was victory for me from that point on," she said.
If you are harboring Askia Strong, know anyone who is hiding him, or have information about his whereabouts, please call Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-8477 or via the P3 Tips app. The tip will remain anonymous and if it leads to an arrest, you will be given a cash reward.
If you are being subjected to domestic abuse or know of anyone else who is, please visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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Cover Image Source: YouTube | CBS 58
