Ny'Andrea Amya Dyer, an 11-year-old African American girl, tragically lost her life on March 22, 2021, after being struck by a stray bullet at a gas station in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. On the night of March 1, 2021, Ny'Andrea was sitting in the backseat of her mother's SUV when gunfire erupted between two men at the gas station. One of the bullets hit Ny'Andrea in the face, lodging in the back of her neck near her spine. Despite being rushed to Comer Children's Hospital and spending 21 days in the ICU, she was ultimately taken off life support and passed away.
The incident sparked a significant investigation by the Chicago Police Department. Ny'Andrea's family, along with the community, pushed for justice and an arrest in the case. A $20,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the gunman. The police confirmed that Ny'Andrea was not the intended target of the shooting.
On April 2, 2021, Marcus Starkey, a 27-year-old man, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery in connection with the shooting. Starkey, who was allegedly drunk and high at the time, fired at an 18-year-old man at the gas station, who he believed was going to rob him. The teenager returned fire, and one of Starkey's bullets struck Ny'Andrea. Starkey was denied bail and extradited from Minnesota to Chicago, where he faced trial. The Cook County judge overseeing the case described the murder as "despicable and tragic."
The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on innocent lives. Ny'Andrea's death was a stark reminder of the need for stronger measures to prevent such senseless acts of violence. Her family planned a memorial to honor her short life, celebrating her love for dancing and her favorite colors, pink and purple. The community continues to mourn her loss and advocate for justice in her memory.
