MILWAUKEE — Attorneys for a 99-year-old Milwaukee woman who was violently attacked in her home say systemic failures in the city’s 911 operation contributed to a nearly three-hour delay in the police response. The woman, identified publicly only as Shirley, was assaulted in July after prosecutors say 23-year-old Joseph Macias forced his way into her home. Her attorneys say she suffered multiple facial fractures, required more than 100 stitches and may never walk again. During a Wednesday news conference, one of Shirley’s lawyers said the failure extended beyond the two dispatchers who handled her calls. The attorney cited a May 2026 city order identifying deficiencies that included accurately classifying emergency calls and updating information as situations developed. “This was something that was systemic and was not addressed,” the lawyer said. Audio from one of Shirley’s emergency calls captured her screaming and crying as the attack unfolded. Her attorneys said she made multiple calls for help but waited almost three hours before officers arrived. The lawyers are discussing the possibility of suing the city, though they said they would not discuss potential resolutions while conversations with the city attorney continue. They said Shirley’s immediate focus is recovering from her injuries, living without pain and regaining the ability to walk. “Everyone’s troubled. They’re upset. This shouldn’t happen to anybody,” one attorney said. “We all should expect that when we make a call like that, or our loved one does, or even a stranger is put in a situation that requires an immediate response, we can trust a response will come.” Both dispatchers involved in Shirley’s calls no longer work for the city. Records indicate one call-taker fell asleep during a shift, while both dispatchers failed to upgrade the calls to a battery, according to the attorneys’ account and city records cited at the news conference. It was not clear whether the employees resigned voluntarily. The city has since required additional training for emergency dispatchers. Macias is charged with battery to an elder, first-degree reckless injury and burglary. Prosecutors allege he had been drinking before the attack. The criminal case remains separate from any potential civil lawsuit over the emergency response.