Maurice Knowles, a 16-year-old African American boy, was tragically killed on September 3, 2013, in Chicago, IL. Maurice was sitting on the porch of his home in the 10500 block of South LaSalle Street in the Fernwood neighborhood when someone opened fire from a gangway across the street around 5:30 p.m. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with a wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.
A 22-year-old man sitting nearby suffered a graze wound to the back but declined medical attention.
The shooting was part of a violent Labor Day in Chicago, where three people were killed, including Maurice, and ten others were wounded. The suspect fled to a building in the 300 block of West 106th Place, where police surrounded the building and took the person into custody by 7 p.m. The motive behind the shooting was reportedly linked to a stolen gun. Maurice's relative had allegedly stolen a gun from one of the suspects, leading to the fatal attack.
Two suspects were charged in connection with Maurice's death. Ray Coleman, a 25-year-old man from Bellwood, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm. Another suspect, 23-year-old Michael O. Johnson, was also charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery for discharge of a firearm. Johnson was identified by witnesses and was arrested after attempting to hide in his home. The third suspect involved in the shooting had not been arrested at the time of the reports.
The tragic death of Maurice Knowles highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago, particularly in neighborhoods like Fernwood. Despite efforts by law enforcement to curb violence, incidents like this continue to devastate families and communities. Maurice's death serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety of all residents.
