Jamonty Clifton, a 15-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on March 28, 2019, in Chicago, IL. Jamonty, who had been cycled through Chicago’s foster care system, was walking near 79th Street and Colfax Avenue when he got into an argument with someone in a gray sedan. The suspect exited the vehicle and shot Jamonty multiple times, hitting him in the face, leg, and shoulder.
He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center shortly after the incident.
Jamonty’s death highlighted the struggles he faced within the foster care system. Despite his efforts to stay connected with his biological family, he frequently ran away from foster homes. His foster parent, Derek Brown, and Brown’s sister, Qiana Brown, criticized the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for inadequate supervision, suggesting that the system failed to provide the necessary resources to save his life. They believed that the DCFS was as responsible for his death as the person who pulled the trigger.
As of the latest reports, no arrests had been made in connection with Jamonty’s murder. The investigation was ongoing, with Area South detectives working to identify and apprehend the suspect. The case drew attention to the broader issues of violence in Chicago and the vulnerabilities of children in the foster care system. Jamonty’s story is a poignant reminder of the need for systemic changes to protect at-risk youth and prevent such tragedies in the future.
