A Chicago high school’s homecoming was marred by tragedy Friday when a student was shot and killed a block from a popular park.
The 15-year-old was in Hamlin Park, in the 3000 block of North Hoyne Street, just before 2:20 p.m. when he was shot. The teen, who was in serious condition at Lurie Children’s Hospital, is a student at Alcott College Prep.
Children and families were back on the basketball court Friday night, hours after the teen was shot and killed in an apparent ambush. According to Chicago police, two suspects approached the victim and at least one fired a handgun, hitting the victim.
Bradley Cortez, who often plays basketball on the same court, said he was surprised that gun violence was occurring nearby.
“It shocks me that an hour ago someone shot someone else,” he said. “That doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Cortez’s mother said the gunfire caused people to run for cover.
“And then a few minutes later you see a lot of people running across the street after hearing the gunshots,” Liliana Cortez said.
In a letter to parents, the principal of Alcott College Prep said he had received reports of shots fired off campus.
“Safety is always my top priority, which is why I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred today. This afternoon we received reports of shots fired in the neighborhood, at outside of school grounds I am very sorry to report that a member of our school community has been injured and they are currently receiving medical treatment. For privacy reasons, I cannot provide further details,” the statement read in part.
Neighbors said they were just glad no one else was hurt when the school was closed.
“But you know crime is everywhere, it doesn’t make any difference,” one neighbor said.
