On July 26, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Santino "Tino" Rojas. The incident took place around 10:40 a.m. in the 2500 block of West 46th Street. According to police, Santino and a 40-year-old man, later identified as his father, Roy Rojas, were on the street when an offender exited a vehicle, described as an SUV, and fired shots at them.
Santino was struck in the head and chest, while his father, Roy, was shot in the chest and leg. Both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Santino lived near the scene of the shooting, as confirmed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting is part of a series of violent incidents involving children and teens in Chicago over the weekend. However, this particular incident was the only fatal shooting involving victims under the age of 17 during that period. The police continue to investigate the shooting, but as of the current date, no arrests have been made.
Santino is remembered as a bright and kind-hearted boy with a promising future ahead of him. His father, Roy, was described as a family man known for his strength and support for his loved ones. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to support them during this difficult time and to advocate against gun violence.
The community and family are grieving the loss of both Santino and his father, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. The incident has sparked calls for a safer and more compassionate world, with the family finding some solace in knowing that Santino and his father are together.
