Juan Jose Morales, a 34-year-old resident of Summit, Illinois, was fatally shot on November 1, 2024, in the southwest suburban area of Summit. The incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. when police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 73rd and Hanover streets.
Upon arrival, officers found a 16-year-old boy, later identified as Jaydin Bahena, who had also been shot. Additionally, they discovered Morales sitting inside a vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds.
Both victims were taken to the hospital, where Morales was pronounced dead on the night of the shooting, and Bahena was pronounced dead the following day.
The shooting appears to have been perpetrated by the same individual, as indicated by the police investigation. Morales and Bahena were known to each other; they were neighbors, and Morales was a loyal customer at the Autozone store where Bahena worked. Bahena was an 11th-grade student at Argo Community High School and was riding his bike home from work when he was shot.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the double homicide. The community has been deeply affected by the loss, particularly at Argo Community High School, where Bahena was remembered for his kind heart and vibrant personality. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to help cover funeral expenses for Bahena's family and had raised over $7,200 as of the days following the incident.
The incident has left a significant impact on the community, with social workers and counselors made available to students and staff at Argo Community High School to cope with the loss. The deaths of Morales and Bahena are a tragic reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area.
