Dejenaba A. Altman, a 43-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on March 31, 2016, in Chicago, IL. The incident occurred in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, where Altman was caught in a deadly shooting. The shooting also claimed the life of Demetrius “DJ” Tolliver, a 23-year-old former Chicago High School basketball star, and injured a 16-year-old boy who survived the attack. The shooting took place in the 4300 block of West Wilcox, just across the street from Hefferan Elementary School.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was carried out by a group of four armed individuals who stepped out of a stolen white van and opened fire. Among the suspects was 17-year-old Hajuan Hentz, a purported member of the Traveling Vice Lords gang. Hentz and the other shooters fled the scene in the van, leaving behind more than 20 shell casings. The van was later found abandoned with its steering column peeled, and a shell casing found inside matched those recovered from the scene. Additionally, a fingerprint from inside the vehicle matched Hentz’s, and he was identified by witnesses in a photo array.
Hentz was arrested and charged as an adult with murder. During the court proceedings, Cook County Judge Peggy Chiampas described Hentz as a “danger” to the community, even at his young age. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gang violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on the community. The tragic deaths of Dejenaba A. Altman and Demetrius Tolliver brought attention to the need for increased efforts to address and prevent such violence.
