‘Stop f—ing with me’: Man shoots noisy neighbor dead in front of victim’s son after warning landlord he’d ‘handle it himself,’ cops say

A long-running dispute between neighbors at a Milwaukee apartment complex ended in tragedy when a Wisconsin man allegedly shot and killed his upstairs neighbor in front of the victim’s teenage son after repeatedly complaining about noise and warning the landlord that he would “take care of it himself,” according to police and court records.

Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Joshua Jordan. He has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, operating a vehicle to flee or elude an officer, and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. The victim was identified as 42-year-old Gregory McElwee Jr.

Ongoing Complaints About Apartment Noise

According to investigators, Jordan lived in a first-floor apartment while McElwee resided directly above him in the same apartment complex on North 94th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The landlord told investigators that Jordan had repeatedly complained over the previous month that McElwee was making excessive noise at all hours of the day and night.

The landlord reportedly provided investigators with text messages from Jordan. One message sent on May 9 allegedly contained a threat to kill McElwee. Authorities say the conflict continued to escalate as Jordan became increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as ongoing disturbances coming from the upstairs apartment.

Calls to the Landlord on the Morning of the Shooting

Court documents indicate that on the morning of the shooting, at approximately 8:25 a.m., Jordan contacted the landlord once again to complain about noise coming from McElwee’s apartment.

Roughly 30 minutes later, Jordan allegedly called back and issued a more alarming warning. According to the criminal complaint, he told the landlord that if the noise issue was not addressed, he would “take care of it himself.” Investigators later viewed this statement as a significant warning sign before the fatal confrontation.

Victim Returns Home Before Confrontation

On the day of the incident, McElwee’s teenage son was inside the family apartment. Investigators said the victim had been at work earlier that morning and returned home around 9:40 a.m.

The son later told police that his father had previously informed him that their downstairs neighbor had been filing noise complaints through the landlord and that tensions between the two men had become an ongoing issue.

Son Begins Recording the Argument

Shortly after McElwee arrived home, his son heard an argument taking place in the hallway outside the apartment. Curious and concerned, the teenager moved closer to the front door to observe what was happening.

The son told investigators that he began recording the interaction. During the recording, he allegedly observed Jordan holding a black handgun while shouting threats at McElwee. According to the complaint, McElwee appeared to be walking away from the confrontation rather than escalating it.

Shooting Unfolds in Hallway

Investigators say Jordan suddenly opened fire during the argument. McElwee reportedly attempted to escape by running back toward his apartment and shutting the door behind him.

However, authorities allege that Jordan continued pursuing him. Court records state that the suspect kicked the apartment door open after McElwee retreated inside. Evidence collected later by investigators showed damage consistent with the door being forcibly kicked in.

Teen Son Tries to Protect His Father

The victim’s son reportedly managed to slam the apartment door shut again and lock it. But when he turned to check on his father, he discovered that McElwee had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

The teenager told investigators that his father was unable to speak after being shot. Realizing the severity of the situation, he immediately called 911 and requested emergency assistance.

Emergency Responders Find Victim Mortally Wounded

Milwaukee police officers responded to the apartment complex and found McElwee lying on the floor inside his residence suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the chest. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures at the scene.

Despite those efforts, McElwee was pronounced dead. His death marked the tragic culmination of a dispute that had reportedly been building for weeks.

Evidence Recovered at the Scene

Investigators discovered multiple pieces of physical evidence in and around the apartment complex. In the upper hallway leading to the victim’s apartment, officers located an unfired Hornady 9mm Luger cartridge as well as a fired shell casing. Blood evidence was also present in the hallway area.

Authorities documented damage to the apartment door that they believed was consistent with it being kicked open during the pursuit. Detectives also observed a shoeprint on the damaged door. According to the complaint, the pattern appeared consistent with a Nike Air Max 95 sneaker.

Neighbor Witness Describes Disturbing Scene

Another resident of the apartment complex told investigators she heard loud banging and sounds that resembled a struggle in the hallway. When she stepped outside her apartment, she allegedly saw a man matching Jordan’s description holding a black semi-automatic handgun.

The witness stated that she saw the suspect manipulating the firearm’s slide. She then reportedly heard him say, “I told that [expletive] to stop f—ing with me.”

According to the complaint, the suspect then gathered ammunition from the floor and placed it into his pocket. When he noticed the witness watching him, she raised her hands and pleaded, “Please don’t shoot me.” The suspect allegedly replied, “I’m not going to shoot you.”

Suspect Flees Before Police Arrival

Authorities say Jordan left the apartment complex before officers arrived. He allegedly drove away in a black Audi, prompting a search by law enforcement.

Police eventually located the vehicle, but investigators say Jordan attempted to evade capture. According to the criminal complaint, he accelerated to speeds approaching 100 miles per hour and led officers on a pursuit lasting approximately four miles.

The chase ended when the vehicle crashed, allowing officers to take Jordan into custody without further violence.

Search of Apartment Links Suspect to Evidence

Following the arrest, investigators noted that Jordan was wearing Nike Air Max 95 shoes, similar to the shoeprint observed on the victim’s damaged apartment door.

A search of Jordan’s apartment reportedly uncovered a gun case containing loose Hornady 9mm Luger ammunition. Investigators considered the discovery significant because similar ammunition had been recovered from the crime scene.

Criminal Charges and Upcoming Court Proceedings

Jordan remains in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail. Prosecutors have charged him with first-degree intentional homicide, a charge that carries the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted. Additional charges include use of a dangerous weapon, fleeing or eluding law enforcement, and recklessly endangering safety.

Court records indicate that Jordan is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on June 11. As of the latest reports, it was not immediately clear whether he had entered a plea or retained legal counsel.

Community Left Mourning

The fatal shooting has shocked residents and highlighted how unresolved neighbor disputes can escalate into deadly violence. What began as repeated complaints about noise allegedly evolved into threats, a confrontation in a hallway, and the death of a father in front of his teenage son. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting as the criminal case moves through the Wisconsin court system.