Steven Rosenthal, a 15-year-old African American male, died on August 17, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, his death was ruled a suicide, resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred following a brief foot chase with Chicago police officers in the Lawndale neighborhood. Police reports indicate that officers attempted to question Rosenthal after suspecting he was armed. When approached, Rosenthal fled into an apartment building, where officers later reported hearing a gunshot. He was found with a gunshot wound and was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Despite the official ruling of suicide, Rosenthal's family and community members have vehemently disputed this conclusion. They argue that Steven, who was a student at Crane High School and known for his involvement in football and basketball, would not have taken his own life. The family has called for the release of body camera footage from the officers involved, asserting that eyewitnesses claim the police shot Rosenthal. The family's attorney, Andrew Stroth, has stated that there are witnesses who saw the police shoot Steven, and they have demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Chicago Police Department has maintained that no officers fired their weapons during the incident. They have cited body camera and ballistics evidence to support their claim. However, the body camera footage has been described as inconclusive by the family, as it does not capture the actual moment of the shooting. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been involved in the investigation and has stated that they will release the video footage within 60 days, in accordance with the city's transparency policy.
In the aftermath of Steven Rosenthal's death, there have been numerous protests and calls for justice from the community. Demonstrators have marched to police headquarters and the hospital where Rosenthal's body was held, demanding answers and accountability from the police department. The case has drawn significant attention and has highlighted ongoing tensions between the Chicago Police Department and the communities they serve, particularly regarding the use of force and the treatment of African American youth. The family's pursuit of an independent investigation continues as they seek closure and justice for Steven Rosenthal.
