Erick L. Lacey, a 19-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 9, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. His death was a result of a shooting incident in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, a community that has been plagued by violence for years. Erick's death was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of violence that has affected many families in Chicago.
The investigation into Erick's death revealed that he was shot multiple times while walking in the
neighborhood. The police believe that the shooting was gang-related, although Erick himself was not known to be involved in any gang activities. The authorities have not been able to identify any suspects or make any arrests in connection with his murder. The lack of witnesses and the reluctance of community members to come forward with information have hindered the investigation.
Erick's death had a profound impact on his family, particularly his grandmother, Raydell Lacey, who had already experienced the loss of her daughter to violence in 1994. Raydell Lacey, a community advocate, founded the nonprofit organization Not Before My Parents to support families affected by violence. She also started a chess club, Chess Moves Against Violence, to provide a positive outlet for young people in the community and to foster better relationships between residents and the police.
Despite the efforts of the community and law enforcement, Erick's case remains unsolved. The lack of progress in the investigation has been a source of frustration and grief for his family. They continue to seek justice for Erick and hope that one day, someone will come forward with information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death. The ongoing violence in Chicago serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities and the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of violence and provide support for those affected.
