Community Mourns Teen Killed in Weekend Shooting
Introduction to the Tragedy
Family and friends are mourning the loss of a South Holland student-athlete killed over the weekend in a deadly shooting. As they grieve, they are also pleading for answers — and justice — for 16-year-old Davell Antoine Holden III.
What We Know About the Incident
Nearly 200 relatives and classmates gathered Wednesday evening for a vigil and balloon release in Holden’s honor. Loved ones say the rising junior at Thornwood High School was an honor student and standout athlete who had dreams of playing college basketball. But on Saturday, August 2, Holden was shot and killed at a residence near 160th Place and Drexel Avenue. According to his mother, he was at a friend’s house.
"My son was everything, an awesome young man," said Angela Birts, Holden’s mom. "My baby was loved by so many people, and this is just a testament of it." No one has been arrested for his death. "First, who and why, why would somebody want to do this to my son," Birts said.
The Impact on Family and Community
Holden also leaves behind a 9-year-old brother, who, his mother says, looked up to him in every way. Now, Birts and her youngest son won’t get to see Holden finish high school and pursue a college basketball career. Holden wore No. 21 for the Thornwood Thunderbirds, and on Wednesday, a crowd of peers and family members gathered at the school, where his jersey was hung in his memory.
"He had this deep passion for basketball, and it showed out there on the court," Birts said. "He was really focused on progression, he wanted to get better, he wanted to see us as a program get better, so we were really focusing on, for him individually, his layup package," said Kay’Shaun Thomas.
Remembering Davell Antoine Holden III
Close friends, like Thomas, are sharing what Holden stood for. "Purity, effort and honesty, that’s all he cared about," Thomas said. "Now we gotta put in two times the work, because now we’re fighting for a greater purpose." Blue, white, and silver balloons filled the sky after those closest to Holden shared words of hope and strength with one another — a heartfelt sendoff in his honor.
"I honestly feel great just seeing how many people whose lives were impacted positively by Davell," Thomas shared. "And it shows how many people he cared about.
What’s Next in the Investigation
The Village of South Holland and Father Michael Pfleger from Saint Sabina Church have joined together to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible. You can submit an anonymous tip online or by phone at 833-805-0187.
Conclusion
The community’s outpouring of support for Davell Antoine Holden III and his family is a testament to the impact he had on those around him. As the investigation into his death continues, it’s clear that his memory will live on through the lives he touched and the dreams he had for his future.
FAQs
- Who was Davell Antoine Holden III? Davell Antoine Holden III was a 16-year-old student-athlete from South Holland who was killed in a shooting on August 2.
- What was he like? According to his loved ones, Holden was an honor student, a standout athlete with a passion for basketball, and a young man who cared deeply about purity, effort, and honesty.
- What happened to him? Holden was shot and killed at a residence near 160th Place and Drexel Avenue, according to his mother, he was at a friend’s house at the time of the incident.
- Is there a reward for information about his death? Yes, the Village of South Holland and Father Michael Pfleger from Saint Sabina Church are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for his death.
- How can I submit a tip? You can submit an anonymous tip online or by phone at 833-805-0187.
