Jaymere McMurtry, a 17-year-old African American girl from Harvey, IL, was tragically shot on February 17, 2016. She was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead on February 19, 2016. The incident occurred at an apartment complex located at 14626 S. Halsted St. in Harvey, where a man identified as Chase Holden, 30, knocked on the door and inquired about drugs. Shortly after, eight bullets were fired into the apartment, striking Jaymere and a 23-year-old woman who was shot in the lower leg.
Chase Holden, who had been released on parole in October after serving ten years for attempted murder, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. He was apprehended by responding officers as he attempted to flee the scene. Jaymere McMurtry's death marked the first homicide in Harvey for the year 2016.
The investigation revealed that Holden had a history of violent behavior, and his parole violation led to his return to Stateville Correctional Center. The tragic incident highlighted the dangers present in the apartment complex and the broader community, sparking discussions about crime and safety in Harvey.
