Isaiah Wade, a 15-year-old African American male from Chicago, IL, was tragically gunned down on December 7, 2020. Isaiah was a sophomore at Mount Carmel High School, where he was known for his academic and athletic prowess, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and participating in football and lacrosse. On the day of his death, Isaiah was in an alley near his home in the Fernwood neighborhood on Chicago's Far South Side when he heard gunfire and was shot in the head.
He was found by responding officers and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Isaiah's death was a devastating blow to his family, who had already been grappling with the mysterious death of his stepfather, Gibron Mills, earlier that year. Gibron had gone missing in September 2020 and was later found dead under unclear circumstances. Isaiah had stepped up to support his family during this difficult time, taking on household responsibilities and caring for his younger siblings.
The investigation into Isaiah's murder revealed that he may have been lured outside by someone on social media. Despite the efforts of the Chicago Police Department, no suspects have been apprehended, and the case remains unsolved. The community and his school mourned his loss deeply, with Mount Carmel High School holding a prayer service in his honor.
Isaiah's murder is part of a broader pattern of violence in the Roseland neighborhood, which has seen a surge in shootings. His death underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many families in Chicago's South Side, where gun violence continues to claim young lives. The lack of arrests or suspects in Isaiah's case highlights the difficulties law enforcement faces in solving such crimes, often hindered by a lack of witnesses or cooperation from the community.
