Neighbors in shock after man killed during fight in Kosciuszko Park

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Police have a suspect in custody after a 44-year-old man was killed following a fight in Kosciuszko Park Tuesday.

Nearby residents are still shocked after the death at Kosciuszko Park Tuesday afternoon. Juan Lopez’s grandmother watched the fight unfold on their front porch.

“It was shocking, it was shocking for me,” Lopez said. “At first they were fighting and then the guy tried to get up, but he couldn't so he flipped over on his back.”

Police said the suspect "intentionally removed" an artificial trachea from the man's neck. The man, who police have identified as Mark Solorio, died at the scene. Mari Morales was driving to her home across the street.

“In my car and the body was on the floor,” Morales said.

Morales said many children were playing in the park when police were on scene and Solorio’s body was lying on the ground. She quickly told her kids to stay away.

“Mommy, I just come to the park to see it,” Mari Morales repeated after her children. “No, no no, just go up to the house,” she told them.

According to Milwaukee Police, Solorio and the suspect knew each other and it was not a random attack. But, for some in the neighborhood, they would like to see more police present near the park.

“It's sad but it's the reality we live with,” Resident Brandon Conners said. “We have police presence after things happen, not as a preventative, prior to things going down.”

The suspect is in custody. The case is being sent to the District Attorney's Office to review charges.