Eight-year-old Josiah Hooker, known to neighbors as JoJo, tragically lost his life on March 20, 2025, in a shooting incident that occurred inside a home in Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood, near 71st Place and Dorchester Avenue. The incident took place around 5:20 PM when a loaded 9-millimeter firearm was accessed by his 5-year-old brother, resulting in Josiah being shot in the back of the head.
During the incident, the 5-year-old brother also suffered a graze wound to his face.
The circumstances leading to the shooting involved their father, 32-year-old Derrick Taylor, who had placed a loaded firearm behind a television on a low dresser in his bedroom before taking a nap. At the time of the incident, Taylor's wife was not present, but multiple children were in the home, including Josiah, the 5-year-old brother, and three other siblings ranging from one month to three years old. After hearing the gunshot, Taylor woke up, discovered the shooting, and ran outside with Josiah seeking help. A neighbor called 911, and a mail carrier who was in the area stopped to perform emergency aid.
Josiah was rushed to Comer Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His 5-year-old brother was also taken to the same hospital and was reported to be in good condition. The three other young siblings were present and witnessed the tragic event.
Derrick Taylor was subsequently arrested and charged with child endangerment causing death and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Court records revealed Taylor had a previous conviction for residential burglary in 2011, and had faced weapons charges in October 2022, though those charges were later dropped. Taylor was ordered to remain in custody pending trial by Judge Antara Rivera, with his next court appearance scheduled for Monday. At the time of his detention hearing, Taylor was hospitalized for a mental health evaluation.
