Benjamin O'Neal, a 20-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on December 14, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the 4800 block of North Ashland Avenue, where Benjamin and his 17-year-old brother, Johnathan O'Neal, were standing in an alley. A light-colored sedan approached, and an unknown assailant inside the vehicle opened fire, striking both brothers multiple times.
They were transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.
Family members believe the shooting was a result of retaliation, possibly linked to a dispute involving the younger sibling, Johnathan. According to relatives, Johnathan was lured outside by the suspect, who was apparently a friend. The gunman also stripped Johnathan of his $300 Northface jacket after the shooting. The O'Neal family, devastated by the loss, described Benjamin and Johnathan as individuals who stood up to bullies and were deeply loved by their community.
The investigation into the murders of Benjamin and Johnathan O'Neal is ongoing. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the police have not confirmed whether the shootings were connected to another incident that occurred 20 minutes earlier, where a 15-year-old boy was grazed by gunfire about five blocks away. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The tragic deaths of Benjamin and Johnathan O'Neal highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago. Their mother, Amanda Wright, expressed her profound grief, noting that she had also lost her father and uncle to gun violence. The community has rallied around the family, with a memorial of balloons, flowers, and candles set up at the site of the shooting. The police continue to investigate, and the family remains hopeful that justice will be served.
