15-year-old boy shot and killed in Woodlawn alleyway, Chicago police say; community reacts to recent gun violence

CHICAGO — A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed Tuesday night in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the city’s South Side, the latest incidence of violence in the community that’s left residents on edge and saddened by another loss of life.

According to Chicago police, the boy was standing in an alley in the 6600 block of South Champlain Avenue when shots were fired just before 8:30 p.m. The boy was hit in the abdomen and left leg, police say, and rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The identity of the boy has not yet been released, and police say they have nobody in custody.

Investigators blocked off the alleyway where the shooting happened as they documented and canvassed for evidence. At least 16 evidence markers were down on the ground, and shell casings and other personal belongings — including clothing — could be seen.

WGN reached out to Chicago Public Schools to see if the victim was a student there. CPS did not confirm if he was but did offer the following statement:

“We are devastated to learn about the loss of this young person. On behalf of Chicago Public Schools, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of this individual and all those impacted by this tragic death.”

Community responds

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s fatal shooting, members of the community expressed sadness over another young victim lost to gun violence.

“It’s so sad, because he was so young,” Woodlawn resident Caroline Bridges said. “It’s like this generation’s not able to live.”

Pastor Donovan Price responded to Woodlawn to offer help.

“We should never get used to it,” he said of the latest incidence of gun violence. “Life expectancy and teens doesn’t go well in the same sentence. … (The victim) seems to be an aspiring rapper, another young person killed.

“… We have to speak life into our young people, and hope. And the people who do things like this, they need to know that there’s another way.”

Bridges said the neighborhood seems to be plagued by more gunfire recently. As a parent with several young children, she said she fears for not only those involved in the shootings, but also for potential innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

“It’d be real late at night, and there just (are) so many shots,” Bridges said. “Like, you don’t know where they’re coming from, and you’re just wondering if everybody outside is OK.”

Just last month, a 56-year-old man was inside a home with his family in the 6600 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue, near where Tuesday’s shooting happened, when someone fired shots from the sidewalk, killing him.

Earlier this month, a toddler was wounded after being shot while inside an apartment in the 800 block of East 65th Street, also in Woodlawn.

“It’s very scary,” Bridges said.

Price, meanwhile, said it’s important for people to speak up about any crimes if they know anything.

“If you know something, say something,” he said. “If you can help, or if you’re one of the perpetrators of this and you need someone to hold your hand and walk with you, then I’m willing to.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to submit a tip anonymously to CPD or call Area One detectives, who are investigating Tuesday’s shooting.

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