MADISON, Wis. — Community Mourns the Loss of Lee Scott III, Victim of Deadly North Side Madison Shooting
With heartbreak and solemn reflection, the Madison community is coming to terms with the loss of Lee Scott III, a 30-year-old resident whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting that occurred last week on the city’s north side. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office officially confirmed his identity earlier this week, following a thorough investigation and autopsy. His untimely death has left loved ones, neighbors, and local leaders mourning a man described as full of potential, compassion, and quiet strength.
The Shooting
The incident took place in the late evening hours of Wednesday, July 24, near the intersection of Northport Drive and Dryden Drive, a residential area in Madison’s north side that has experienced a troubling uptick in violence in recent months.
According to the Madison Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported gunshots. When first responders arrived, they discovered Lee Scott III suffering from gunshot wounds in a parking lot outside a small apartment complex. Despite life-saving measures attempted by emergency personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police have called on the public to share any surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, or relevant information that could help bring justice to Lee and closure to his grieving family.
A Life Remembered
Lee Scott III was more than just a name in a news report. To those who knew him, he was a beloved son, a dependable friend, and a member of the Madison community who worked hard to support his family and better himself. Born and raised in Madison, Lee attended local schools and was known for his kind demeanor, calm spirit, and a genuine desire to make people feel welcome.
“He was a gentle soul who had seen a lot in his life, but he never let it make him bitter,” said Denise Moore, a family friend. “He was always trying to find peace, to build a better path for himself. He didn’t deserve this.”
Lee had recently begun working full-time in building maintenance and had aspirations of starting his own business one day. He was especially close to his younger sister and often took on a protective, supportive role in her life. Friends recall his quiet generosity — how he would give someone his last dollar, or show up without being asked if someone needed help moving or fixing something.
“He didn’t have a lot, but he gave everything he could,” said longtime friend Marcus Fields. “He was the kind of person you could call at 3 a.m., and he’d pick up.”
Community Response
In the days following the shooting, the Madison community has responded with an outpouring of grief and calls for action. Residents have placed candles, flowers, and handwritten notes at the site of the shooting. Local clergy and neighborhood leaders have hosted gatherings to honor Lee’s life and urge for an end to the cycle of violence that continues to take lives far too soon.
“This tragedy is not just about one man. It’s about the deep wounds that exist in our community and our need to invest in healing, in safety, in opportunity,” said Pastor Elijah Bennett, who led a prayer vigil held near the scene. “Lee deserved to grow old. His family deserved to see him thrive.”
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes acknowledged the impact of Lee’s death in a public statement, saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Scott. The loss of any life to violence is unacceptable, and we are committed to pursuing every lead to bring those responsible to justice.”
A Call for Justice and Peace
Lee’s family is urging anyone with information to come forward, not only to help solve his case but also to prevent further senseless violence. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses, and organizers say any remaining funds will be directed toward youth mentorship and violence prevention programs — causes Lee deeply cared about.
The family released a statement on Friday:
“Our hearts are broken. Lee was not perfect, but he was trying. He was trying so hard to make a better life, to be a better man. We will never understand why someone took him from us. But we know this: he mattered. He mattered to us, and he mattered to this world. We won’t let his name be forgotten.”
Final Reflections
As Madison continues to process the loss of Lee Scott III, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of how fragile life is — and how urgently communities must come together to protect one another.
Lee’s story is one of perseverance, quiet love, and unfulfilled dreams. Though his life was taken far too soon, his memory now becomes a call for peace, healing, and justice. Those who knew and loved him will carry forward his light — not just in mourning, but in the hope that no more lives will be lost in this way.
Rest in power, Lee. Your life mattered. You will not be forgotten.
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