Corey Strother Jr., a 15-year-old African American male from Chicago, was shot on December 22, 2015, while trying to help his niece into their family home. The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of South Princeton Avenue. His sister reportedly pleaded with the gunman, yelling, “Don’t do this,” before a single shot was fired, striking Corey in the neck. No one else was injured in the attack.
Following the shooting, Corey Strother Jr.
spent the next eight months in various medical facilities, including Stroger Hospital, a rehabilitation center, and Lurie Children’s Hospital. His injuries affected both his spine and brain, leaving him unable to speak. Despite his condition, his mother, Tiffany Strother, noted that he continued to fight, attempting to communicate with his eyes. His vital signs were the only indicators of his pain or discomfort. Corey, a junior at Dunbar Career Vocational High School, remained engaged in his studies while hospitalized, with school staff visiting him to read to him.
On August 26, 2016, Corey Strother Jr. succumbed to his injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. His mother expressed her grief, lamenting that the shooting had robbed her son of his future, including milestones such as learning to drive, obtaining a license, and growing into adulthood.
Authorities confirmed that Corey was not involved in gang activity. In January 2016, Swonn Herron, a 23-year-old man, was charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting. Following Corey’s death, the charges against Herron were upgraded to murder. Herron pleaded not guilty, and his next court hearing was scheduled for September 9, 2016.
