Suburban Teen Fatally Shot in Roseland on His Brother’s Birthday
A 15-year-old boy from south suburban Posen, identified as Cyrus Box Jr., was tragically shot and killed in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood on what was meant to be a joyous family occasion. The young teen had traveled to visit his grandmother's house and celebrate his younger brother's birthday, but the day turned into a devastating tragedy that left his family mourning outside Comer Children’s Hospital.
A Celebration Turns Tragic
On the evening of Saturday, May 11, 2024, Cyrus was spending time outside his grandmother’s house near 110th and Normal Avenue in Roseland. The family had gathered to mark his little brother’s birthday. It was a moment that should have been filled with laughter and joy, but in just a matter of hours, the tone of the day changed irreversibly.
Earlier that day, a photo of Cyrus was taken, capturing what would be one of his last moments alive. Less than two hours later, while riding a Lime scooter near the end of the block, Cyrus was shot. Family members say he had merely wanted to enjoy the scooter when the attackers arrived.
According to his mother, Cyrus was not from the area. He had simply come to join the family celebration. Witnesses and family members recount that while he was riding on the scooter, a vehicle pulled up and someone began shooting. The young teen was struck in the neck. His mother described the horrifying moment she found her son lying on the pavement.
A Mother’s Desperate Effort
Cyrus’s mother was one of the first to respond after hearing the gunfire. In a heartbreaking statement, she recounted how she rushed to her son’s side and tried desperately to save him. “I was holding his neck, trying to keep him alive, and he took his last breath in my arms,” she said.
Her emotional words reveal the pain and helplessness she felt as she watched her child pass away. There is a depth of sorrow that only a mother can express when losing a child in such a sudden and senseless manner. For the family, the images of that day—both the joyful and the tragic—will remain etched in memory.
Eyewitness Accounts and Suspect Description
Chicago police say that the gunman opened fire from a dark-colored vehicle. Witnesses described the car as a silver two-door Honda. Two masked men were reportedly inside. One of them had a T-shirt tied around his head with dreadlocks visible from the back, and the other was wearing sunglasses.
There is no official confirmation from the police about the motive, but some in the family believe that the attackers may have been attempting to rob Cyrus, possibly because of the way he was dressed. However, this remains speculative. As of now, the suspects have not been apprehended, and police have not released an official statement or description beyond what eyewitnesses have reported.
Mourning Outside the Hospital
The family spent the night outside Comer Children’s Hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly to save Cyrus’s life. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Family members described him as a kind and innocent young man who was full of potential.
“He was an innocent, a young man that didn’t even get a chance to live life,” said a relative. The sentiment echoed among those gathered: a life cut short, dreams unfulfilled, and a future lost.
His death has left an irreparable void. One family member, speaking in tears, shared their pain and confusion, saying, “I’m so sad. I don’t know what to do, but I know I gotta make it.”
A Plea Against Violence
The incident is yet another chapter in Chicago’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. The family made a heartfelt plea to the community and those responsible for his death. “Whoever did that, y’all need to stop the violence. Because can we killing each other?” said one relative, highlighting the deep frustration and sorrow felt not just by his family, but by many others in communities plagued by similar tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the family is left to grieve the loss of a beloved son, brother, and grandson. What should have been a birthday celebration is now a painful reminder of how quickly violence can steal innocence and joy. Cyrus Box Jr. was just 15 years old. His life mattered. His story is a stark call to action against the senseless violence that continues to shatter families and communities.
