Devin Common, a 28-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 29, 2013, in Chicago, IL. Devin was one of three men shot in the 7500 block of South Champlain Avenue around noon that day. The incident occurred while Devin was on his way to get coffee, a routine errand that turned fatal. His mother, Kimberly Common, was devastated by the loss, having already lost another son, Antonio Common, to gun violence in October 2011.
Devin's sister, Jermaka Common, also expressed her grief, highlighting the senselessness of the violence that claimed her brother's life.
The shooting that resulted in Devin's death also left two other men seriously injured. They were transported to Stroger Hospital in serious to critical condition. The police had one person in custody and were actively searching for another suspect. A gun was found under a bush near the scene, indicating a possible connection to the crime.
In the aftermath of Devin's death, the investigation led to the arrest and conviction of Quovadas Mahomes. Mahomes was found guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. He was sentenced to an aggregate of 44 years in prison. During the investigation, it was revealed that Mahomes had attempted to remove gunshot residue from his hands by urinating on them while in the interview room.
Devin's death, like that of his brother Antonio, underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence in Chicago. The Common family, already reeling from the loss of Antonio, faced another devastating blow with Devin's murder. The community's response was one of shock and sorrow, as they grappled with the ongoing violence that continues to affect many families in the area.
