Chazelle Maurice Hayes, a 25-year-old African American man, was fatally shot on July 18, 2015, in the Homan Square neighborhood on Chicago's West Side. Hayes had celebrated his 25th birthday just days earlier with a barbecue block party near the location where he was later killed. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. when a light-colored van pulled up, and someone inside it opened fire. Hayes was struck in the chest and arm and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.
An 18-year-old man was also wounded in the incident.
The shooting that claimed Hayes' life was part of a violent night in the area, with multiple shootings occurring within a short span of time. Despite the presence of police officers nearby, no one was in custody in connection with Hayes' death immediately following the incident. The police were investigating the shootings as separate incidents, although family and friends believed they were related.
In March 2016, Timothy Ward, a 26-year-old man from Carpentersville, was charged with first-degree murder for the slaying of Chazelle Hayes. Ward faced these charges based on the events that transpired on July 18, 2015. The case against Ward was part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hayes' death.
Hayes' death left a profound impact on his family and community. He was remembered as a loving father to his four children, aged 9, 5, 4, and 2 at the time of his death. Hayes was known for his athleticism, sense of humor, and passion for rapping under the name "The Mayor." His mother, Kimberly Scott, expressed her grief and anger over the loss of her son, highlighting the senselessness of the violence that took his life.
The investigation into Hayes' death continued as authorities sought to piece together the events of that night and bring those responsible to justice. The case remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities affected by gun violence and the enduring pain experienced by the families of victims.
