Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Roosevelt Teacher Harry Bruce, 56, Killed in Beating Near 12th and Walnut

Harry Odele Bruce spent more than a decade teaching special education at Roosevelt Middle School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Thursday evening, November 5, he was beaten and strangled near 12th and Walnut, and he died at the scene, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office said. He was 56.

What police say happened

Milwaukee police said the assault happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Thursday outside on the 1700 block of North 12th Street, in the Triangle North neighborhood. The block holds a bus stop, several churches, a barbecue restaurant and apartments. A 22-year-old man was taken into custody. Police said the circumstances leading up to the assault remain under investigation, and the case will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for possible charges.

A close friend, Reginald Bell, said Bruce was trying to break up a fight when the young man turned on him. Police have not confirmed that account and have not released more detail about the arrest. Bruce's sons said he was on his way to a bus stop to go help someone move.

A pillar at Roosevelt

Milwaukee Public Schools said Bruce was a beloved special education teacher who gave more than a decade to Roosevelt Middle School. He also coached football, tutored students and mentored them. Principal Tiffany Fisher wrote to parents and guardians on Friday, November 6. "Mr. Bruce was a pillar of the Roosevelt community," her email said. "He made a lasting impact on the lives of those he worked with, and his presence will be deeply missed throughout our school community." The district's Crisis Response Team was at Roosevelt to support students and staff after his death.

How his sons remember him

Bruce's sons, Kylon and Lorenzo Boothes, said he raised them as his own. "The life he lived is not about him at all," Kylon said. "He always worked to help everybody else, and it made himself happy." They said he gave students rides home, took kids to football practice and spent his own money when a student needed something. He rose at 4 a.m. to pray, taught Sunday school and served through his church. At home he cooked, cracked jokes and pushed his sons to keep going. He wrote poetry and published a book of poems called It's About Time, drawn from parts of his own life and meant to help people through hard stretches.

"Growing up with my dad was amazing," Lorenzo said. "He took on a responsibility that he didn't have to, and I will always be grateful for that." Asked what lesson people should take from his father, Lorenzo pointed to the help itself. "You don't have to give everything that you have, but a little goes a long way," he said.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. No charges had been announced as of Saturday.