On September 4, 2017, 15-year-old Antwon Green was shot and killed in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood. The incident occurred outside his grandmother's home, where Antwon was visiting with family over the Labor Day weekend. The shooting happened during an argument involving several young men just steps from his grandmother's house on the corner of West 15th Street and South Drake Avenue. Antwon was shot in the back while attempting to move away from the conflict. He was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
Antwon’s parents, Michael Jones and Genneva Green, were deeply affected by the loss of their son, expressing their shock over the violence. They explained how they tried to keep Antwon away from dangerous situations, often restricting him from venturing too far from their sight. Despite their efforts, violence tragically found him in what was supposed to be a safe space near his family. Antwon, described as a loving son who was "the best" to his family, lived in the Pullman area and attended Corliss High School. His death was a painful reminder of the risks faced by youth in Chicago, even when trying to avoid gang influences.
Antwon's funeral was held on September 11, 2017, at Greater St. John Bible Church, where about 150 family members, friends, and community members gathered to pay their respects. Reverend Ira Acree, who led the service, voiced the frustrations of many in the community, lamenting the senseless violence that continued to plague the city. Antwon’s parents offered a $2,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest, as no suspects had been identified at the time. The case remains unsolved, emphasizing the challenges in obtaining justice for victims of gun violence in Chicago's hardest-hit neighborhoods.
