Lavell Southern, a 24-year-old African American male, was fatally shot in Chicago on September 6, 2015. Southern, a former star football and basketball player at Mount Carmel High School, had attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was also known for his involvement in his local church. On the night of his death, Southern and his 23-year-old friend were leaving a club in the West Loop after a birthday party when they encountered several men, including Andre Harris and Deangelo
Green.
A confrontation ensued when Harris got into a fight with Southern’s friend. Harris pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the man, chasing him around while the man raised his hands in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Southern, attempting to intervene, was struck in the head with a handgun by Green. Green then instructed Harris to shoot. As Southern and his friend tried to flee westbound on Randolph toward Racine, Harris and Green opened fire. Southern was struck in the back and head, while his friend was shot in the arm. Both men managed to turn the corner onto Racine before collapsing. Southern was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His friend was treated for his injuries and later released.
Authorities arrested Andre Harris, a 31-year-old African American male, shortly after the incident. Harris was known to Southern through mutual acquaintances, as Southern’s girlfriend was friends with Harris’ former partner. Harris was taken into custody at his home, where officers discovered bloody clothing and two handguns—a 9mm and a. 45 caliber—matching shell casings found at the crime scene. Harris had prior drug-related convictions and was denied bail.
Later, Deangelo Green, a 31-year-old African American male, was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm. Multiple witnesses identified both Harris and Green as the shooters. Green was ordered held without bail. The tragic loss of Southern, the son of a pastor, deeply affected his family and community, who mourned his passing at a vigil.
