A Chicago family is mourning the death of Akeem Briscoe, 7, who was struck by a bullet days after his father was buried due to a medical condition.
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, as his family in Humboldt Park prepared supper, Briscoe was washing his hands in the bathroom when a stray bullet entered through a window and struck him in front of his mother and two siblings.
Following a gang altercation in a neighboring alley, a shooting broke out.
Briscoe was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where he passed away hours later.
A reward is now being offered for information after the seven-year-old boy’s murder in Humboldt Park.
People have been stopping by the house to start a memorial, so the family is asking the public to assist authorities in identifying the perpetrator.
Up to $15,000 has been put up as a prize for information related to the case. The investigation into the case that has caught the mayor’s attention is ongoing.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot stated, “This didn’t happen in a vacuum.” “Within hearing distance of my voice, there are those out there who are well aware of what occurred. You must speak up.”
The principal of Newberry Math and Science Academy remarked that the entire school will undoubtedly be affected by this loss and have many questions. Grief counselors will be available on Friday, according to school authorities.
Support for students and employees is being coordinated by CPS’ crisis management section.
It should be noted that 298 children have been shot this year, 41 of them fatally.