Edward "Lil Bit" Bryant, a 17-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on October 30, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. Edward and his twin brother, Edwin, were standing in the 1300-block of North Hudson Avenue around 3:15 a.m. when a dark vehicle drove by, and someone inside the vehicle opened fire. Edward was shot in the chest and head, while Edwin was shot in the neck and back. Both brothers were rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries a short time later.
The Bryant twins were juniors at Marshall High School in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, having transferred from Lincoln Park High School as freshmen. Edward was an avid basketball player, standing 6-foot-5 and playing forward for both Marshall High School and the Chicago Demons, a youth basketball program in Old Town. His coach described him as a talented player with a promising future, noting that Division I college teams were already showing interest in him.
The investigation into the shooting of Edward and Edwin Bryant remains ongoing. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified. The case has drawn significant attention, with community members and local leaders calling for justice and increased efforts to curb gun violence in the area. A $2,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator, but the case remains unsolved.
The tragic deaths of Edward and Edwin Bryant highlight the pervasive issue of gun violence in Chicago, particularly affecting young African American males. Their story is a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the families left to grieve in the wake of such senseless violence. The community continues to mourn their loss and hopes for a resolution to the case that will bring some measure of justice and closure.
