APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The fatal shooting at the Fox River Mall started with a chance encounter and escalated into an argument over a girlfriend, prosecutors say.
Dezman Ellis, 17, of Oshkosh, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. Prosecutors say he shot and killed Jovanni Frausto. A bystander, Colt Lemmers, was also injured in the shooting.
“Jovanni and Dezman started to exchange words and Dezman was saying “what’s up, you don’t wanna do this, back up, and this and that.” Jovanni replied, “What do you mean, I am here with my girlfriend and her niece. This isn’t about fighting, this isn’t about fighting, what’s your issue, why are you coming up to me, why are you targeting me.”
She “continued to explain as they were exchanging words Dezman was saying ‘back up back up I will shoot this place up, I’ll kill you.'”
Prosecutors say Ellis pulled out a gun and shot Frausto. He was taken to the hospital, there he died. Autopsy results showed two gunshot wounds, one to his chest and one to his arm and back.
“What a tragic outcome and tragic way to settle a disagreement,” said Grand Chute Officer Travis Waas. “The lives that have been impacted because of these actions, not just for the victim’s family, but for every single person there was inside the mall Sunday. Whether they were shopping, whether they were working, the countless first responders, everybody has been impacted by this poor decision.”
Ellis’ brother told police he admitted shooting someone at the Fox River Mall.
Ellis has not yet been arrested. Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
A car connected to the shooting was found outside a home in Oshkosh on Monday. Four people inside the home were arrested on disorderly conduct charges, but police did not find Ellis there. The four have since been released.
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