Introduction to the Case
A 17-year-old boy was on probation when he shot two people, one fatally, last week in West Lawn, prosecutors say. The boy, who was not identified because he is under age, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm. He is accused of fatally shooting Derik Johnson,18, and wounding a 15-year-old boy July 23 in the 7200 block of South Avers Avenue.
Events Leading to the Shooting
That day Johnson, the 15-year-old and another person, who were friends, were hanging out at the 17-year-old’s home. A fifth person was present. At his home, the 17-year-old had two guns, a 22-caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun, prosecutors said. At one point, the 17-year-old and two people left the home, leaving Johnson and the 15-year-old alone. While the rest of the group was gone, Johnson and the 15-year-old left the home with both guns.
The Shooting Incident
But when the group returned to the home, the 17-year-old called Johnson and the 15-year-old and told them to return the guns. When they arrived, a sixth person had arrived, prosecutors said. The group left the home and as they walked prosecutors say the 17-year-old pulled out one of the guns and shot Johnson in the back of the head, then turned and shot the 15-year-old, who fell to the ground and pretended to be dead, prosecutors said.
Aftermath of the Shooting
When the rest of the group fled, the 15-year-old ran to a nearby home to ask for help and called 911. The teen and another person in the group returned to the scene of the shooting, where they gave police a description of the shooter. Johnson was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, Chicago police and prosecutors said. The 15-year-old was grazed in his cheek and was treated and released from Christ.
Arrest and Investigation
Officers were canvassing the area when they spotted one of the suspects, who was shirtless, getting into an Uber less than a block from the 17-year-old’s home. Officers stopped the Uber and they found all three of the suspects inside, along with both guns, prosecutors said. Officers recovered three shell casings at the scene, and preliminary ballistics tests showed the casings were fired from the .22-caliber firearm recovered in the Uber, prosecutors said. The rest of the group identified the 17-year-old as the shooter, prosecutors said.
Previous Record and Motive
Prosecutors did not give a motive for the attack at a detention hearing Friday, where the 17-year-old was ordered held. At the time of the shooting the 17-year-old was on probation in a previous aggravated battery case.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of addressing probation violations and the need for effective rehabilitation programs to prevent such incidents. It also raises questions about gun control and the ease of access to firearms, especially among minors. The community is left to grapple with the consequences of this tragic event, and the legal system will continue to investigate and prosecute the case to ensure justice is served.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against the 17-year-old?
A: The 17-year-old was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Q: What was the cause of death of the 18-year-old victim?
A: The 18-year-old victim, Derik Johnson, was shot in the back of the head.
Q: What was the condition of the 15-year-old victim?
A: The 15-year-old victim was grazed in the cheek and was treated and released from the hospital.
Q: Was the 17-year-old on probation at the time of the shooting?
A: Yes, the 17-year-old was on probation for a previous aggravated battery case.
Q: What was the motive behind the attack?
A: The motive behind the attack was not disclosed by prosecutors during the detention hearing.
