Chavez Chevy Collins Jr., a 16-year-old Black male from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a grandson whose life was cut tragically short. His grandmother, Monica Collins, remembered him as her "first grandson. First one to come here first one to leave." She also shared that in the months before his death, Chavez had changed. "The last eight to 10 months has been very different for us," she said.
"The streets consumed my grandson."
On the night of Saturday, December 3, 2022, Chavez attended a basketball game at South Division High School. As he was leaving the game around 9:30 p.m., he was shot and killed in a parking lot near 13th and Mitchell streets.
According to Chavez’s father, Chevaz Collins Sr., the man responsible for his son's death was brought to justice. On March 29, 28-year-old Nico Thomas was sentenced to life in prison for the shooting. With the conviction and sentencing, the case is considered closed.
In her grief, Chavez’s grandmother offered a heartfelt plea to other parents, hoping to prevent similar tragedies. "If anybody out there that love their kids, do what you have to do to keep your kids with you at all times," Monica Collins said. "Let them be a kid because once they get out here there's no turning back."
