Man Fatally Shot in South Shore Backyard
Chicago police officers responding to a “burglary in progress” call discovered a man who had been fatally shot in the backyard of a South Shore residence overnight.
Although CPD took an individual into custody at the scene, no reports of gunfire were received prior to the discovery of the victim, who had just celebrated his 24th birthday the day before. The incident occurred in a neighborhood that was previously monitored by the city’s ShotSpotter network until Mayor Brandon Johnson deactivated the system on September 24.
According to dispatch recordings, a homeowner contacted 911 around 4:30 a.m. to report an attempted break-in through a side door. The caller mentioned that the potential intruder was banging on the door, claiming to be the police, and also noted that their son possessed a concealed carry license.
Upon arrival at approximately 4:40 a.m., officers observed a man lying on the back porch. Upon closer inspection, they determined that he had sustained gunshot wounds and immediately called for medical assistance. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the University of Chicago Hospital.
Law enforcement officers confiscated a firearm from the individual taken into custody at the scene. CPD stated that charges were pending as of Saturday morning.
ShotSpotter Controversy in South Shore
The shooting transpired in the 7th Ward, overseen by Alderman Gregory Mitchell, a member of the City Council’s majority that advocated for the retention of ShotSpotter beyond its contract expiration on September 23. A survey conducted prior to Mayor Johnson’s termination of the city’s agreement with ShotSpotter revealed that approximately 70% of residents supported maintaining the system. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling also expressed his backing for the technology.
About the “Brandon’s Bodies” Series
As of 12:01 a.m. on September 23, 2024, Chicago terminated its relationship with ShotSpotter, a gunfire detection system deployed in 12 of the city’s most violence-impacted neighborhoods.
Mayor Brandon Johnson adamantly stood by his decision to dismantle ShotSpotter, despite numerous aldermen, citizens, victim advocates, and the police superintendent urging for its continuation.
The “Brandon’s Bodies” reporting series aims to document instances of shooting victims and police investigations that could have benefited from gunshot detection technology.
The primary criteria for inclusion are cases of gunshot victims found outdoors in areas previously serviced by ShotSpotter with either no corresponding 911 reports of gunfire or reports of gunfire in a general vicinity that did not result in the prompt discovery of the victim.
