On the evening of May 7, 2026, 18-year-old Damarion "DJ" Johnson, a promising African American high school basketball star, was tragically killed in a shooting on Chicago's West Side. Johnson was a senior at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep and was on the verge of accepting a full-ride scholarship to play basketball in college. Known for his dedication to the sport, he was a standout player in the Project sWISH Chicago youth basketball program.
His mother recalled that he was always in the gym, focused on his future and avoiding trouble. On that fatal evening, Johnson was taking an Uber home after basketball practice, a routine trip that ended in a devastating act of violence.
The shooting occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. As Johnson and his Uber driver, 38-year-old Jassen Cho, were driving in the 200 block of North Homan Avenue, a gray SUV pulled up alongside their white car, and an occupant opened fire. Johnson was struck multiple times and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Cho was also fatally wounded and died at Stroger Hospital. Investigators believe the shooting may have been a targeted attack against Johnson. A burned SUV, suspected to be connected to the shooting, was later found by police.
In the wake of the shooting, the community mourned the loss of a young man with a bright future. Friends, family, and coaches remembered Johnson as a talented and competitive athlete with a vibrant personality. His basketball program, Project sWISH Chicago, held an emotional balloon release in his honor. As of yet, no arrests have been made in connection with the double homicide, and police have not publicly identified any suspects. A reward of $10,000 has been offered by Cook County Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest. The investigation into the deaths of Damarion Johnson and Jassen Cho remains ongoing, leaving a community searching for answers and justice.
