On August 16, 2017, 16-year-old African American male Kejuan Thomas was fatally shot while playing basketball at Bradley Park in Chicago's Jeffery Manor neighborhood. The incident occurred around 4:34 p.m. when a vehicle with two males approached the park. One of the individuals exited the car and opened fire, striking Kejuan multiple times in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:46 p.m.
Kejuan Thomas was a student at Tilden High School, where he was known for his academic achievements and participation on the basketball team. He aspired to earn a college scholarship through his athletic performance. Friends and family described him as a good kid who loved basketball and had no involvement in gang activities.
On September 1, 2017, 25-year-old Tororicius Berry was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Kejuan's death. According to prosecutors, Berry approached Kejuan on the basketball court, shot him at close range, and then stood over him, continuing to fire. Multiple witnesses, including children as young as 10, identified Berry as the shooter. Berry was held without bail following his arrest.
However, the case took a significant turn when, just seven days after Berry's arrest, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office dropped the murder charge against him. Berry later filed a federal lawsuit against the city and several police officers, alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution. He claimed that surveillance video evidence proved he could not have committed the crime. As of the latest available information, no other individuals have been charged in connection with Kejuan Thomas's death, and the case remains open.
