On April 12, 2023, an 18-year-old man named Jacquis Irby was fatally shot at Clark Street Beach in Evanston, Illinois. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. when an argument broke out between two groups of people outside the entrance to the beach. This altercation escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in the shooting of Jacquis Irby and his two 15-year-old brothers.
According to the investigation, Jalen Murray, a 20-year-old man from the 1600 block of Fowler Avenue in Evanston, was identified as the primary shooter. Murray, who knew the Irby family from growing up in the same neighborhood, was with another individual, Tacorey Magitt, at the time of the incident. The two men had been at the home of an associate before heading to the beach, where the argument with the Irby brothers ensued. Murray, who was wearing a backpack containing a firearm, shot Jacquis Irby multiple times at close range after an argument and physical altercation involving Magitt's girlfriend.
Jacquis Irby suffered seven gunshot wounds and attempted to flee the scene but collapsed in a nearby grassy area. One of his 15-year-old brothers was hospitalized for several days with wounds to his abdomen and shoulder, while the other brother suffered a minor graze wound to his leg.
Tacorey Magitt also played a significant role in the incident. After Murray fired the initial shots, Magitt pointed in the direction Irby was fleeing, chased him, and fired additional shots. Multiple witnesses identified both Murray and Magitt, and video footage captured the events leading up to the fight, the shooting, and the two men fleeing the scene. Cell phone data further confirmed their presence together at the scene of the homicide.
Jalen Murray was arrested on April 28, 2023, and charged with felony first-degree murder and attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was ordered to remain at Cook County Jail unless he could post the $75,000 cash portion of his bond. Tacorey Magitt was also charged in connection with the murder.
The shooting prompted a shelter-in-place alert at nearby Northwestern University, which lasted for over an hour. The incident has had a significant impact on the Evanston community, with Jacquis Irby remembered for his commitment to his family and his passion for basketball.
