Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood faced a surge of violence over the weekend, with three separate shootings on Sunday resulting in two fatalities and three injuries, including a teenager. The incidents occurred within hours of each other and have sparked ongoing police investigations.
Late-Night Shooting Outside Church
The most recent shooting occurred late Sunday night, just before 11:00 p.m., outside a church on South Washtenaw Avenue near Saint Roman. According to police reports, a 22-year-old man was standing outside the church when someone began firing from a black sedan. The victim sustained two gunshot wounds to his arm and one to his chest. Emergency services rushed him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Investigators discovered shell casings on the sidewalk near the scene early Sunday morning.
Authorities have not disclosed any potential motives for the attack, and no suspects have been identified. Residents of the area have expressed concern about the escalation of violence in what was previously considered a safer part of the neighborhood.
Teenager Fatally Shot in Early Morning Incident
In a separate incident earlier in the day, a 16-year-old boy, identified as Jesus Sanchez, was fatally shot outside a relative’s home near 26th Street and South Millard Avenue. The shooting took place around 1:30 a.m. while Sanchez and a 15-year-old boy were standing on the sidewalk. Sanchez was struck multiple times and succumbed to his injuries. The younger boy was shot in the back and survived but remains hospitalized.
Police have not revealed the source of the gunfire or any potential connections between the victims and the shooter. Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attack. Sanchez’s death has left the local community shaken, with residents and outreach groups calling for an end to the violence.
Drive-By Shooting Claims One Life, Injures Another
A third shooting, labeled by police as a drive-by attack, occurred at 26th Street and Pulaski Road. A man and a woman were standing on the sidewalk when someone in a dark-colored vehicle opened fire. The 43-year-old man was struck multiple times and later died from his injuries. The woman was shot in the left leg and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident, seeking the suspects involved. This drive-by attack highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area and the need for stronger measures to ensure public safety.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots but provided limited details about the vehicle or suspects involved. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in their investigation.
Community and Police Response
The violence over the weekend has prompted a strong response from the Chicago Police Department’s 10th District. Detectives are actively working on all three cases, collecting evidence and following leads in hopes of apprehending those responsible. Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with knowledge of the incidents to call 911 or report tips to local detectives.
Local leaders and community organizations have also pledged to redouble their efforts in addressing violence in the neighborhood. Outreach groups are working alongside police to create strategies aimed at reducing crime and providing resources for at-risk youth.
Ongoing Investigations
As investigations into these shootings continue, law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to bringing justice to the victims and their families. However, the lack of immediate suspects or motives highlights the challenges authorities face in addressing gun violence in the area.
The series of violent incidents underscores a broader trend of gun violence affecting Chicago neighborhoods, particularly on the West Side. Residents of Little Village are grappling with fear and frustration, calling for increased safety measures and community interventions to prevent future tragedies.
