Michael Flournoy III, a 16-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on April 5, 2014, in Chicago, IL. Michael was a sophomore football player at Simeon Career Academy, where he played as a defensive back and wide receiver. He was described by his coach and peers as a soft-spoken, ambitious young man who steered clear of drugs and gangs.
On the evening of his death, Michael was on his way to pick up chips at a store on 93rd Street in the Burnside neighborhood when he got into a fight with some other boys. According to his grandfather, Samuel Woods, the boys jumped on him, beat him up, and then shot him in the face.
Kenneth K. Jackson, a 31-year-old man, was charged with first-degree murder, murder during the commission of a felony, and mob action in connection with Michael's death. Jackson, who has two prior felonies for unlawful possession in 2011 and drug possession in 2009, was accused of walking to the store with his daughter when Michael allegedly made comments to her. Jackson then left the store and returned with two friends, all armed with guns. The three men beat Michael while he was on the ground and then shot him in the head.
Jackson was held on $1 million bail and faced additional charges of possession of a controlled substance in connection with an unrelated incident. He was expected to appear in bond court on August 12, 2014. The community, including Michael's family, friends, and neighbors, mourned the loss of a promising young life and denounced the violence that led to his untimely death.
