A Canadian man was shot and killed in what is believed to be a drive-by shooting in Wisconsin this week while on a golf trip, police and family members say.
Giovanni Michael Robinson, 32, originally from Stouffville, Ont., was fatally shot in downtown Sheboygan Falls early Wednesday, the town’s police department said in a news release Thursday. With a population of more than 8,000, Sheboygan Falls is located near Lake Michigan’s west coast.
When police arrived, they found Robinson suffering from a single gunshot wound. Despite attempts to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the scene, the release said.
According to a preliminary investigation, police said they believe Robinson was shot by someone driving a vehicle that is described as a small, dark coloured SUV. No suspects have been arrested.
Police are continuing to interview witnesses and gather evidence.
“Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to the Robinson family and loved ones,” police said. “At this time, no suspects have been apprehended and the motive behind this senseless act remains under investigation.”
Victim was on golf trip, brother says
Robinson, who got married in 2022 and was known as Mike, was killed while on an annual golf trip, said his brother Jacob Robinson.
Mike had been living in Pennsylvania with his American wife, Jacob said. He became a new father when he and his wife had a baby girl six weeks ago, he added.
Giovanni Michael Robinson, known as Mike, is shown here with his baby daughter. (Supplied by Daniella Apostolakos)
Jacob said his brother was a special person who was beloved by his family.
“He was one-of-a-kind. He was an incredible, incredible person. There’s literally no one like him. He was my younger brother, but I truly did look up to him,” he said.
“I always say everything he touched turned to gold. No matter where he went or who he was with, he just always lit up the room.”
Jacob said his brother was athletic, playing hockey and golf. Hours before he was shot, he had just celebrated landing a hole-in-one at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Sheboygan.
Before the shooting, Jacob said his brother had left the golf course with his in-laws, went for dinner, then went to a local bar. There were no altercations that the family is aware of, Jacob said.
“It was just a regular Tuesday night,” he said. “The rest is kind of a mystery right now.”
‘He’s a beautiful human,’ cousin says
Mike’s cousin, Daniella Apostolakos, said she wants justice for Mike and she hopes that whoever killed him is held accountable.
“He’s a beautiful human, always happy, always smiling. He had such a zest for life,” she said. “I think we’re all just still in shock.”
A GoFundMe page described Mike as a “beautiful soul.”
“Mike was so excited to become a father, constantly asking family and friends questions and looking for advice to prepare so that he would be ready,” the GoFundMe page said.
“He dove right into his new role of ‘Dad’ and was a natural, just like we all knew he would be. It is most heartbreaking to know he will never be able to hold his baby girl again”
A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said in an email Thursday that it is aware of a death of a Canadian citizen in Wisconsin.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said consular officials are in contact with local authorities to gather information about what happened, and have been in touch with the family to provide assistance.
