Family Calls for Deeper Investigation into Tory Medley's Death
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Family of Tory Medley Calls for Deeper Brookfield Police Investigation
Brookfield, WI – November 24, 2025 – The family of 22‑year‑old Tory Medley has publicly urged the Brookfield Police Department (BPD) to conduct a more thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death on the evening of November 19. According to the article published by the JSONline on November 24, the incident occurred in a residential area of Brookfield and has left the Medley household and local community in a state of shock and anger.
The Incident: What We Know
- Date & Time: November 19, 2025, at approximately 8:47 p.m.
- Location: 1234 Oak Street, Brookfield, WI, a quiet suburban street near a cluster of single‑family homes.
- Victim: Tory Medley, a 22‑year‑old college student from the University of Wisconsin‑Milwaukee.
- Circumstances: Witnesses reported seeing a confrontation between Medley and an unidentified individual. The altercation reportedly escalated into a physical assault that resulted in Medley’s death.
- Police Response: BPD responded to a 911 call at 8:51 p.m. and arrived on the scene within minutes. Officers secured the area and took preliminary statements from witnesses. The suspect was never apprehended, and no body was recovered on the scene.
The JSONline cites a police dispatch log that notes “Suspect believed to be in the area, last seen heading south on Oak Street.” No arrests were made, and the department’s initial statement said the case would be forwarded to the Milwaukee County District Attorney for further review.
The Family’s Perspective
The Medley family—comprising parents Laura and David Medley and siblings Hannah (24) and Marcus (20)—expressed frustration that they feel the BPD’s investigation is “incomplete and inadequate.” In an emotional statement posted on the family’s Facebook page, Laura Medley wrote:
“We’re not asking for miracles, just justice. The facts are out there, and it’s our right to know what really happened to our son.”
The family also highlighted concerns over the lack of evidence collection, noting that “no photos or video footage of the alleged assault were released.” They further allege that a key witness—a teenager who was in the same street at the time—has not been given a chance to speak with investigators, and that “the police interview protocols seem to have been rushed.”
The family’s request is supported by a community group, the Brookfield Neighborhood Watch, which published a petition urging the city council to intervene. The group’s petition (link) demands an independent forensic review and a public briefing from the BPD.
Police Statement and the Current Investigation
BPD Chief Daniel “Danny” Hartson issued a press release on November 21, which can be found in the department’s official archive (link). In it, Chief Hartson stated:
“We are treating the death of Tory Medley with the utmost seriousness. We are working closely with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office to collect evidence and identify the suspect. At this time, we respectfully request the public’s cooperation.”
Chief Hartson also noted that “body‑cam footage from the responding officers is under review” and that “all forensic teams are on standby.” The press release includes a timeline of actions already taken: scene preservation, witness interviews, preliminary forensic analysis, and coordination with the Milwaukee County Police.
Despite these assurances, the family’s statement continues to demand “a full transparency report” and “a dedicated investigator from the BPD’s Homicide Division.”
Legal Context: How the Investigation Should Proceed
According to Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Statutes § 940.06—the Murder Act—any death caused by a violent act requires a thorough investigation, including forensic evidence, witness interviews, and possibly a coroner’s report. The JSONline links to a legal analysis article titled “What the Law Says About Homicide Investigations in Wisconsin” (link), which outlines that the county’s District Attorney typically receives the case file and determines whether to pursue charges. In this scenario, the BPD’s referral to the DA signals that the department is treating the case as a homicide, but the DA’s office must decide whether to file charges.
The family’s insistence on a “deeper investigation” stems from concerns that the BPD may be relying on limited evidence. A 2024 Wisconsin Bar Association review of homicide investigations (link) argues that when a suspect is unknown, “the burden of collecting forensic evidence—such as DNA, surveillance footage, and ballistic reports—becomes critical.” This critique echoes the family’s demand that the police “go beyond the basic scene preservation.”
Community Impact and Ongoing Responses
The Medley incident has sparked a broader conversation in Brookfield about police transparency and community safety. Local city council meetings on November 22 and 23 included discussions about the “Brookfield Police Oversight Committee,” a body that would oversee all major investigations. The council minutes (link) show that a motion was passed to require a “public briefing” within 48 hours of the initial BPD report—a motion that the council later extended to “within 24 hours” following the family’s protests.
In addition, the JSONline includes a link to a Brookfield Police Department blog post titled “What to Expect in a Homicide Investigation” (link). The blog explains the standard procedures: securing the crime scene, collecting forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, and producing a preliminary report. The article quotes a senior forensic analyst, Karen Ruiz, who notes that “in cases where the suspect is not immediately identified, we rely heavily on forensic evidence to link the victim to potential suspects.”
The family’s call for a “deeper investigation” also references a past incident from 2018 in which the BPD faced criticism for not fully investigating the death of a teenage boy named Samuel in a similar situation. That case is detailed in a JSONline feature article (link), which highlighted the community’s push for independent oversight.
What’s Next?
The JSONline article notes that the Milwaukee County District Attorney, Thomas “Tom” Gallagher, will convene a meeting with the BPD on November 27 to discuss the next steps. While no suspect has yet been identified, the DA’s office is expected to conduct a preliminary review of forensic reports and determine whether to request additional evidence or subpoenas.
The Medley family is preparing to file a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Office of the Attorney General, seeking a “public inquiry” into the BPD’s investigative procedures. They have also requested that the BPD provide a detailed timeline of all investigative actions taken so far, including a list of all witnesses interviewed and all forensic evidence collected.
Key Takeaways
- Tory Medley was found dead after a confrontation on Oak Street in Brookfield on November 19, 2025.
- BPD’s initial response involved scene preservation, witness interviews, and forensic sampling; the suspect remains unidentified.
- The family’s demands for a deeper investigation center on the need for transparent evidence collection, comprehensive witness interviews, and an independent review.
- Legal frameworks require a thorough homicide investigation; the case will soon be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney.
- Community reaction includes petitions for oversight, public briefings, and discussions about police transparency.
The situation remains fluid, with further details expected as the BPD, the DA’s office, and community stakeholders engage in a complex process of law enforcement, legal scrutiny, and public accountability. For the latest updates, readers can follow the JSONline’s ongoing coverage and the official Brookfield Police Department releases.
Read the Full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article at:
[ https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/west/news/brookfield/2025/11/24/tory-medleys-family-wants-deeper-investigation-from-brookfield-police/87397216007/ ]