Jordan Means, a 16-year-old African American male, was tragically found dead on April 19, 2014, in a basement apartment located in the 8200 block of South Houston Avenue in South Chicago. The discovery was made around 10:30 a.m. after witnesses reported hearing gunshots. Jordan, a student at Bowen High School, was found alongside another teen, Anthony Bankhead, who was 18 years old.
Both victims had been shot in the head, and their deaths were part of a violent weekend in Chicago that saw multiple shootings across the city.
The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute that began over a cell phone cord and escalated on Facebook. Jordan's mother, Camille Cochran, recounted that her son and Justin Hamilton, a 23-year-old member of the Latin Kings street gang, had exchanged heated words online. This argument ultimately led to the fatal shooting. Hamilton, who was known to Jordan and even looked up to by him, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Jordan Means and Anthony Bankhead. He was ordered held without bail.
The case highlighted the dangers of online disputes spilling over into real-life violence. Authorities noted that there was another individual involved in the case whom they wished to speak with, indicating that the investigation was ongoing. The community was left in shock and mourning, with Jordan's family and friends grappling with the senseless loss of a young life. An account was created on GoFundMe.com to help cover the funeral and burial expenses for Jordan Means, reflecting the community's support in the wake of the tragedy.
