Jaylin Jerome Mason, a 17-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on September 3, 2020, in Chicago, IL. The incident occurred in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, where Mason was standing outside with a group of people when a black Nissan Altima drove by and shots were fired. Mason was struck in the neck and chest and was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.
The investigation into Mason's death revealed that the shooting was gang-related.
Eugene Burns, a 19-year-old male, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Burns, along with two other uncharged co-defendants, were members of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang. Mason was also a member of a different faction of the same gang, and the shooting was part of an ongoing conflict between the two factions.
Burns had previously stolen a Jeep and used it to drive the two other co-defendants to the location where Mason was standing. The co-defendants exited the vehicle armed with a handgun and an assault rifle and opened fire on Mason, striking him nine times, including in the head and neck. Burns and the shooters then fled the scene and later abandoned the vehicle. Investigators found Burns' fingerprints inside the vehicle, and he later admitted to stealing the Jeep and acting as the driver in the shooting.
In addition to the murder charge, Burns was also involved in a separate incident on March 13, 2021, where he and three others broke into a home in the Austin neighborhood, attacked the occupants, and shot their dog. Burns was charged with murder, three counts of home invasion, aggravated cruelty to animals, and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was ordered held without bail on the murder charge and issued $1 million bail for the home invasion offense.
The case against Burns and the ongoing investigation into Mason's death highlight the tragic consequences of gang violence in Chicago and the impact it has on the community. The legal proceedings continue as authorities work to bring justice for Jaylin Jerome Mason and his family.
