A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a Hyde Park Academy High School student, stemming from a conflict over a vape earlier this year.
The police have not disclosed the boy’s identity due to his age. Since he is younger than 16, his case might remain within the juvenile justice system, potentially keeping the details of the case and its outcome confidential.
According to witness accounts provided to the police, on April 15 at around 3:30 p.m., 16-year-old Eric Billups was waiting at a bus stop on 63rd Street and Stony Island Avenue after school. A gunman, clad in the school’s uniform, approached Billups, drew a gun from a book bag, and began shooting.
Billups did not survive the attack. His 16-year-old girlfriend was also hit, sustaining a leg injury. She was initially reported to be in fair condition and has since recovered.
A Chicago police report filed shortly after the incident indicated that Billups and a suspected individual had intended to fight later that day. Online discussions suggested the argument was over a vape. Instead, the suspect confronted Billups at the bus stop and fired approximately 12 shots before fleeing. Several students and staff members identified the shooter to the police, as per the report.
The 15-year-old faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and other related felonies.
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