Lavon’ta Brown, a 14-year-old African American boy from North Chicago, IL, tragically lost his life on May 15, 2022. The incident occurred at a Citgo gas station located at 1015 10th Street in North Chicago. Lavon’ta was critically injured after being shot multiple times. He was transported to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The investigation revealed that Lavon’ta Brown was confronted by occupants of a gold Chevrolet
Malibu while at the gas station. Among the occupants were Alraum Williams, 19, of Calumet City, and Amireon Williams, 20, of North Chicago. Both individuals were armed and fired shots at Lavon’ta. In an attempt to defend himself, Lavon’ta pulled out his own gun and fired back before collapsing from a gunshot wound to the chest. The Chevrolet Malibu fled the scene but later crashed near a Home Depot on Belvidere Road in Waukegan. Surveillance footage showed the occupants fleeing in different directions. Amireon Williams was apprehended inside the Home Depot, where he attempted to hide in a bathroom.
Following the incident, both Alraum and Amireon Williams were charged with first-degree murder. Alraum Williams was arrested in August 2022 after being identified through surveillance footage and witness testimonies. He was found guilty of first-degree murder in March 2024 after a four-day trial that included testimonies from over a dozen witnesses. Alraum Williams faces up to 75 years in prison for his role in the murder of Lavon’ta Brown. Amireon Williams, who also faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, is awaiting trial scheduled to begin on May 6, 2024.
The case has highlighted issues of gang violence and gun-related crimes in the area. Authorities believe that Lavon’ta Brown was specifically targeted in a gang-related attack. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force has been involved in the investigation, working to bring justice for Lavon’ta and his family. The community has been deeply affected by the loss of such a young life, and efforts are ongoing to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence.
