Tragedy struck in two Chicago-area communities with teens at the center of gun violence incidents. On Chicago's Southwest Side, a 17-year-old boy became the victim of a drive-by shooting early Monday morning. According to FOX 32 Chicago, the shooting took place on the 6100 block of South Whipple Street when the unidentified teen was at a sidewalk and a car approached, unleashing a barrage of bullets around 8:20 a.m.
The teen suffered multiple gunshot wounds throughout the body and was taken in serious condition to the University of Chicago Hospital. Authorities are still searching for the shooter, with Area One detectives conducting the ongoing investigation, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Under different circumstances in the west suburbs, another 17-year-old boy was fatally shot on Saturday night, identified by school officials as Deegan Kirschke. The incident occurred inside a home on the 100-block of High Street in Hampshire. Police responded to the scene approximately at 11:30 p.m. and found the boy deceased.
Community Unit School District 300 Superintendent Martina Smith said in a statement obtained by ABC 7 Chicago, "On behalf of the entire District 300 community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Deegan's family and friends during this very difficult time. Hampshire High School is committed to supporting students and staff as they navigate this loss, and counseling services are available to provide care and support to those in need." A suspect, 20-year-old Keyshaun D. Davis, was arrested in connection with Kirschke's death.
Davis faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and the reckless discharge of a firearm among others, as per Hampshire police details given to ABC 7 Chicago. He is currently being held at the Kane County Jail. Davis was also found in possession of a firearm and ammunition without a FOID card, which is required by Illinois law.
