On December 3, 2024, 15-year-old Kenwon Van Pelt was found deceased in his home on the 6700 block of South Parnell Avenue in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Discovered by his mother around 11:30 a.m., Kenwon had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding Kenwon's death remain unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether the fatal shot was fired from inside or outside the residence.
Notably, nearly a dozen shell casings were found in the parking lot outside the building, which police cordoned off with red crime scene tape.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Kenwon's death. The Chicago Police Department's Area One detectives are actively investigating the case as a homicide.
Kenwon's tragic death has deeply affected the local community. Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward, who resides nearby, expressed profound sorrow, stating, "Today, our hearts are shattered. The senseless killing of a 15-year-old child in Englewood is a pain that words cannot fully capture." He emphasized the personal nature of the loss, noting that Kenwon was "someone's son, someone's brother, someone's whole world."
This incident occurred shortly after another tragic event in Chicago, where a 14-year-old boy was found shot and killed inside a home in the Little Village neighborhood. Despite the proximity in timing, police have not indicated any connection between the two deaths.
The investigation into Kenwon's death is ongoing, with detectives seeking any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the individual or individuals responsible. Community members are urged to come forward with any information that might assist in solving this tragic case.
