The Common Council president of Milwaukee has spoken up after the loss of his niece who was killed in a domestic violence dispute.
Police believe twenty-six-year-old Aliyah Perez was shot and killed last Sunday by her boyfriend Elijah Combs, 28, who wound up shooting and killing himself after a police chase and crash.
“We’re here to celebrate the brightest light of Aliyah Marie Perez,” President Jose Perez, Aliyah’s uncle said during a vigil held in her honor. “Beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece, hermana, sister – best friend.”
Her vigil, held on Friday evening, brought together dozens of family and friends who all came to celebrate her life. Loved ones have been left stunned and in utter disbelief about her passing due to domestic violence, which Perez says can impact anyone.
“You should know we are committed to the community as we feel this tragedy,” he said. “We want to continue to help anyone in the same space, so this doesn’t happen to anyone else,” Perez said, adding that he referred to his niece as “titi. We all called her, Lili, Lola.”
The skies were mostly gloomy during her vigil, but the sun peered through the clouds as Perez talked about his niece and how others can protect themselves from domestic violence.
Read President Jose Perez’s statement below.
Earlier this week my family experienced an incredible tragedy with the loss of my beautiful niece to domestic violence. The sorrow and pain of losing her has been one of the most difficult things my family and I have ever experienced.
I want to thank my extended family, colleagues, friends, and the community for the outpouring of support my family and I have received during this time. I would also like to thank the Milwaukee Police Department, particularly the Homicide Division, for their efforts and professionalism throughout this difficult process. Additionally, I would like to thank the Office of Violence Prevention for their work.
Domestic violence can be found anywhere, can exist in any neighborhood, and can affect any family. It is incumbent upon everyone to make themselves aware and to be vigilant of the signs of domestic violence – and then to be proactive in sounding the alarm to protect potential victims.
