On August 19, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in the Calumet Heights neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, resulting in the death of 14-year-old Rajon Harshaw. The shooting took place just before 7 p.m. in the 8700 block of South Cregier Avenue, where Harshaw was struck in the head and chest.
Harshaw, a student who was preparing to start his freshman year at Hyde Park High School, was found shot near his home.
He was rushed to Comer Children's Hospital, where he was initially reported in critical condition but later pronounced dead around 8:40 p.m..
At the time of the incident, no arrests were made, and the case remained under investigation by area detectives. The shooting was part of a violent weekend in Chicago that saw at least 40 people shot, with seven fatalities, including several teenagers.
Nearly a year after the shooting, on August 8, 2024, Robert Lewis, a 21-year-old man from Chicago, was charged with multiple felonies, including murder and robbery, in connection with Harshaw's death. Lewis was taken into custody by members of the Chicago Police Department and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in the 900 block of West Addison. He is also accused of taking Harshaw's belongings after the shooting.
Harshaw's death was deeply felt by his family and community. His aunt, Athena Harshaw, expressed the family's grief, noting that Rajon was a top student who loved to play basketball and was excited to start his high school career. She described the moment she identified her nephew's body and the devastating impact of his loss on the family.
