Pierre Johnson, a 14-year-old African American boy, was tragically killed in a shooting in the Fuller Park neighborhood of Chicago on June 1, 2023. The incident occurred while Pierre was sitting on a porch across the street from his home. The shooting also injured four other individuals. Pierre's death deeply affected his community, as he was known for his infectious energy and love for baseball. His funeral was held at St.
Sabina Church, where friends and family gathered to mourn the loss of a young life filled with potential.
Pierre's mother, Tharea Johnson, has faced immense grief, having lost another son, Paris Johnson, to gun violence in the same neighborhood. Paris was shot in front of their home in 2017, which left him paralyzed. He passed away in 2020. Tharea Johnson has expressed the feeling of being trapped by the constant threat of violence in their community. Despite her efforts to protect Pierre by having him spend time away from the neighborhood, the violence ultimately claimed his life.
The investigation into Pierre's murder has been challenging. Although a 16-year-old boy was charged with firing at police officers who responded to the shooting, no one has been arrested for Pierre's murder. The community continues to seek justice for Pierre, hoping that the perpetrators will be held accountable. Chris Cozzi, a family friend who cared for Pierre, is working to establish a nonprofit organization named "Pierre's Way" to provide at-risk youth with opportunities to play baseball and stay away from violence.
Pierre's death highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. The loss of such a young and promising life serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to address this pervasive problem.
