Javon Britten, an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 21, 2019, in Orland Park, Illinois. Javon was a senior at Rich Central High School and had aspirations of becoming an electrician, having recently been accepted to a trade school. He was known for his poetic talent and was described by his teachers and family as a bright, ambitious, and hardworking individual who kept his intelligence under wraps. On the day of his death, Javon was at the Orland Square Mall when he was shot multiple times, leading to his untimely demise. The autopsy confirmed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. near the food court of the mall. Javon was with his cousin, who also suffered a graze wound during the shooting. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Jakharr Williams, was involved in a fistfight with Javon before pulling out a gun and opening fire. Williams, who was on parole for a previous armed robbery conviction, was arrested two days after the shooting on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Following further investigation, he was indicted for first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Javon's death deeply affected his family and community. His mother, Nail Hobson, spoke of his many dreams and the bright future he had ahead of him. The community mourned the loss of a young man who had so much potential and was taken too soon by senseless violence. The legal proceedings against Jakharr Williams are ongoing, with him being held without bail since his arrest. The case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the ongoing struggle for justice for victims like Javon Britten.
