Keishanay Bolden, an 18-year-old African American woman from Chicago, IL, was tragically killed on May 31, 2020. Keishanay, a student at Western Illinois University, was shot during an argument in the West Englewood neighborhood. The incident occurred around 4:25 p.m. in the 5900 block of South Carpenter Street. According to reports, Keishanay was involved in an altercation that escalated when James Reed, a 34-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot. The bullet struck Keishanay in the chest, exited her back, and hit another woman standing behind her. Keishanay was rushed to St. Bernard Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
James Reed, who had previously been convicted as an armed habitual criminal, was charged with Keishanay's murder. Reed allegedly opened fire during an argument over stolen property. Witnesses identified Reed as the shooter, and he was taken into custody shortly after the incident. The woman who was with Reed at the time of the shooting is still being sought by authorities. Reed's criminal history includes a 2010 conviction for being an armed habitual criminal, for which he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed that Keishanay died from a gunshot wound to the torso, and her death was ruled a homicide. The shooting was part of a particularly violent day in Chicago, which saw 18 murders in 24 hours, marking the most violent day in the city in 60 years. Keishanay's family, who could not be reached for comment, had shared that she aspired to become a correctional officer.
The investigation into Keishanay's death is ongoing, with Area One detectives handling the case. Reed has been denied bail and is awaiting trial for the murder of Keishanay Bolden. The tragic loss of this young woman has left a significant impact on her community and highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago.
