Malik Causey, a 14-year-old from Chicago, was fatally shot on August 21, 2016, in the Austin neighborhood. He was a victim of gun violence while navigating life in an area plagued by gang activity and high crime rates. Malik, who had developed an interest in the allure of gang culture, tragically became another statistic in Chicago's ongoing struggle with violent crime.
His death was one of many in what was one of the deadliest months Chicago had seen in decades, with 91 homicides reported citywide during August 2016.
Malik’s mother had tried to protect him from getting involved in gang life, often pulling him away from dangerous situations. Despite her efforts, the influence of the street and the pervasiveness of gang culture ultimately led to his untimely death. Malik's story underscores the challenges faced by many young people in Chicago’s impoverished neighborhoods, where violence and gang influence are a constant threat. His death has since been memorialized online, where family and friends remember him for his humor, love of basketball, and playful personality.
