Samuel "Lil’ Sam" Walker, a 13-year-old African American boy, was tragically killed on July 25, 2014, in a drive-by shooting on Chicago's West Side. The incident occurred near the intersection of Lexington Street and California Avenue, where Samuel was shot in the head and torso, dying at the scene. The shooting also injured six others. Samuel was preparing to start at Manley High School that fall and was described by family members as a smart boy who was looking forward to high school.
The investigation into Samuel's death revealed that he was gang-affiliated, a detail that complicated the case. Despite the police's efforts, no arrests have been made in connection with his murder. The tragic loss of Samuel was compounded by the murder of his father, Samuel Walker Sr., just six days later. Samuel Sr., a 34-year-old African American man, was shot multiple times in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was also gang-affiliated, and his death was believed to be connected to the same violent circumstances that led to his son's murder.
In the aftermath of these tragic events, Kortillious Gipson, a 23-year-old man, was charged with the first-degree murder of Samuel Walker Sr. Gipson allegedly chased down and shot Samuel Sr. in the torso and head, leading to his death at the scene. However, no one has been charged in connection with the murder of Samuel "Lil’ Sam" Walker, leaving his case unresolved.
The deaths of Samuel and his father highlight the pervasive issue of gang violence in Chicago, which continues to claim the lives of many young individuals. The community and family members mourned the loss of both father and son, with their funerals being arranged together to honor their memory.
