Tyshawn Johnson, a 17-year-old African American male, was found shot to death in an alley in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood on the night of January 14, 2025. Initially misidentified as a 21-year-old man, Johnson was later confirmed by the Cook County medical examiner’s office as the victim. The tragic incident unfolded when police responded to reports of a vehicle crash in an alley near the 5400 block of North Ashland Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Johnson inside the crashed vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound to his head. Another victim, a 26-year-old man, was also found nearby with gunshot wounds to his shoulder and neck. He was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in critical condition.
Authorities believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, as there were no reports of gunfire in the immediate area. Surveillance footage from a nearby residence captured an individual sprinting down the alley minutes before police arrived at the scene. The footage showed the person moving quickly through the snow, leaving behind a trail of blood. Despite the evidence, no arrests have been made, and Area 3 detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.
Johnson’s mother, Shatara Clark, has publicly demanded justice for her son. She revealed that Johnson had recently graduated early from Sullivan House alternative school and was preparing to start plumbing school while taking college courses. He was described as an honor roll student, an athlete, and a video game enthusiast. Clark expressed her grief, stating that she had previously lost another son to gun violence. She fears Johnson was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
The Andersonville neighborhood, known for its quiet and close-knit community, was shaken by the incident. Residents expressed shock, noting that violence was rare in the area. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive behind the shooting and identify any suspects involved.
