CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Two Teenagers Killed in Auburn Gresham Shooting; One Man Wounded
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — The Auburn Gresham community is reeling after the tragic and senseless deaths of two teenage boys in a shooting early Wednesday morning. The victims, 16-year-old Devajae Christopher and 17-year-old Tamarion West, were fatally shot inside a residential building on the 8100 block of South Marshfield Avenue, leaving family, friends, and neighbors in shock.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after 8:00 a.m. following multiple calls reporting gunfire and a person claiming to have been shot. Upon arrival, first responders were confronted with a scene of chaos and violence.
Officers first located the 16-year-old male victim on the second-floor back porch of the building, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Emergency medical personnel immediately rendered aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His loss has devastated his family and the close-knit neighborhood.
Inside the residence, officers observed a trail of blood and several spent shell casings scattered across the floors, indicating a violent and concentrated attack. The interior of the apartment bore the unmistakable signs of a crime scene, prompting investigators to carefully document and preserve evidence.
Continuing their search, police discovered the 17-year-old male victim in a hallway, also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Medical personnel confirmed his death at the scene. Friends and classmates remembered him as a bright and spirited teenager whose life was cut tragically short.
A third individual, a 21-year-old man, was found hiding under a bed on the third floor with a gunshot wound to the arm. He was immediately transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was listed in fair condition. Authorities say he is cooperating with investigators.
Detectives recovered multiple shell casings and other physical evidence throughout the building, which they hope will help identify the suspects involved. Chicago Police’s Area Two detectives have taken the lead on the investigation, working tirelessly to gather witness statements and reconstruct the events leading to the shooting.
Neighbors reported seeing three men fleeing the area immediately after the gunfire erupted. One resident recounted hearing shots between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., describing how the noise prompted her to wake her children and wait in fear until help arrived. The traumatic event has left local residents on edge and fearful for their safety.
The Chicago Fire Department assisted in providing medical transport and securing the scene while detectives collected crucial evidence. Authorities emphasized that no suspects are currently in custody, and they are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
Family, friends, and community members have begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor the lives of the two teenagers. Police encourage residents to report any tips anonymously through CPD Tip or Cook County Crime Stoppers. The Auburn Gresham neighborhood remains united in grief, determined to seek justice for the young victims and prevent further acts of violence.