Demetrius Tolliver, a 23-year-old African American male from Chicago, Illinois, tragically lost his life on March 31, 2016. Known affectionately as "DJ," Tolliver was a former high school basketball star who played for Farragut High School and later at Highland Community College. On the fateful day, Tolliver was in the West Garfield Park neighborhood when he was shot in the chest.
He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident that led to Tolliver's death was a drive-by shooting involving multiple assailants. According to reports, four armed individuals emerged from a stolen white van and opened fire on Tolliver and others standing outside. The shooting also claimed the life of 43-year-old Dejenaba A. Altman and injured a 16-year-old boy, who survived. Witnesses reported seeing the gunmen fire at the victims and others in the vicinity, with one witness making eye contact with one of the shooters during the attack.
The investigation into Tolliver's murder led to the arrest of 17-year-old Hajuan Hentz, a purported member of the Traveling Vice Lords gang. Hentz was charged as an adult with murder and was held without bond. Prosecutors detailed that Hentz and his accomplices fled the scene in the stolen van, which was later found abandoned. Evidence collected from the van, including shell casings and fingerprints, linked Hentz to the crime. Witnesses also identified Hentz in a photo array, further solidifying the case against him.
The case garnered significant attention, with notable figures such as NBA player Jabari Parker expressing condolences to Tolliver's family. The tragic loss of Demetrius Tolliver highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the impact it has on the community. The legal proceedings against Hentz and any potential accomplices continue to be closely monitored as the community seeks justice for Tolliver and the other victims of this senseless act of violence.
