Dulonden Ratliff

Dulonden E. Ratliff, a talented and beloved 21-year-old man from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was known for his many passions and his love for his family. Born on February 10, 1993, he was a graduate of Bradford High School and the Professional Salon Academy of Kenosha. He put his skills to use as a hairstylist and barber at Smooth Cuts Salon. Dulonden was a father to a young son, Dulonden Conrad Ratliff, and was in a relationship with his girlfriend, Oksana Pohlson. His loved ones remember him as a photogenic person who enjoyed dancing, singing, rapping, tattoos, and playing basketball. He was an active member of the Blessing Center of Kenosha and was cherished by his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 29, 2014, Dulonden was out with his sister and a friend in downtown Racine. Just after 1 a.m., as the group left the Envi bar at 316 Main Street, they were approached by another group of about five individuals. An argument, reportedly over cigarettes, quickly escalated into a physical fight. Witnesses reported that someone from the other group shouted, "What's up," and then one of them swung at Dulonden. During the ensuing brawl, a single gunshot rang out, and the other group fled the scene.

Racine police officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 300 block of Main Street at 1:16 a.m. They arrived to find Dulonden Ratliff lying in the street, bleeding from a serious gunshot wound. The bullet had struck him in the arm and penetrated his chest. He was rushed to Wheaton Franciscan St. Mary’s hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The downtown streets were blocked off for hours as investigators processed the scene, finding a 9mm Ruger silver shell casing and marking the location of the shooting on the pavement.

The investigation, led by the Racine Police Department, quickly focused on a suspect thanks to witness statements. Police identified 23-year-old Christopher S. Brown of Racine as the man who fired the weapon. Two days later, on March 31, 2014, officers arrested Brown at the Subway restaurant where he was employed. During questioning, Brown admitted to being involved in the altercation and to pulling a midsize handgun from his waistband. He claimed that he was waving the firearm in the air when it accidentally discharged. He also told investigators that he sold the gun the day after the shooting.

Christopher Brown was initially charged with first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety. The case proceeded through the Racine County Circuit Court, and in May 2016, a jury convicted Brown of lesser charges: one count of second-degree reckless homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon and one count of second-degree recklessly endangering safety with the use of a dangerous weapon.

In August 2016, Judge Michael J. Piontek sentenced Christopher Brown to 30 years in prison. During the sentencing hearing, Brown apologized to Ratliff’s family, stating, "I am not a career criminal or homicidal person. I never had ill intentions to hurt anyone much less killing anyone." However, the judge noted Brown's expulsion from high school and known gang associations, telling him, "When you get out you will be in your early 50s. Perhaps that will give you the time to reflect on your actions."

In the wake of Dulonden's sudden death, his family was left to grieve their profound loss. Funeral services were held on April 10, 2014, at Kenosha Funeral Services. To help with the unexpected expenses, an online fundraising campaign was established for his family. The case is now considered closed, with the perpetrator identified, convicted, and sentenced for the senseless act of violence that ended a young father's life.