Christin Leshay Ross, an 18-year-old African American female, tragically lost her life on October 10, 2019, in Calumet City, Illinois. She was a victim of a drive-by shooting that occurred outside the River Oaks Center Mall. Christin was with 17-year-old Tyrell Wade when they were both shot in the parking lot of the mall. The incident took place as they were preparing to leave the mall after confronting Dajon M. Lewis, an 18-year-old male, about robbing Christin's sister. As they ran towards the mall, Lewis began firing his 9mm firearm at the unarmed victims and witnesses.
Following the shooting, Christin and Tyrell were taken to hospitals, where they both succumbed to their injuries two days later. The loss of Christin, described by her father as a "ray of sunshine," was devastating to her family and friends. She had been preparing to start college and was looking forward to her future.
Dajon M. Lewis was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Christin and Tyrell. An arrest warrant was issued for Lewis on October 15, and he was taken into custody on October 25 during a traffic stop in Gary, Indiana. He was held in Lake County, Indiana, until he waived his extradition to Illinois and was transported to the Calumet City Police Department for formal processing and charging. Lewis was ordered to be held without bond during his court appearance.
The case against Lewis continued to unfold as investigators gathered evidence and witnesses provided testimonies. The tragic deaths of Christin Leshay Ross and Tyrell Wade highlighted the senseless violence that can shatter lives and communities.
