With ShotSpotter removed, 13-year-old shot in South Chicago may have gone undiscovered for more than 15 minutes
A tragic incident unfolded in South Chicago as a 13-year-old boy fights for his life after being discovered shot between two homes on Thursday afternoon. The police revealed that the shooting took place approximately 15 minutes before the victim was found, yet no reports of shots fired in the vicinity were made. This raises concerns as Mayor Brandon Johnson had previously discontinued the city’s ShotSpotter gunfire detection system in September 2024.
Responding to distress calls, officers rushed to the 8200 block of South Coles Avenue where the boy was located at around 3:07 p.m. Dispatch audio indicated that individuals at the scene initiated CPR on the child before medical assistance arrived. The victim was swiftly transported to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head.
The official statement from the Chicago Police Department stated that the shooting occurred at 2:50 p.m., which was 17 minutes prior to the emergency calls being received.
Upon reviewing surveillance footage, law enforcement identified two individuals leaving the area who could be linked to the incident. Described as Black males, both suspects were seen heading south on Coles Avenue. One was dressed in a green jumpsuit while the other wore faded jeans and a black hoodie, with both carrying backpacks, as per an officer’s observation of the footage.
The decision to discontinue ShotSpotter, a system that previously alerted CPD to gunfire incidents even without 911 calls, has drawn criticism. The technology was instrumental in pinpointing shooting locations swiftly, aiding officers in their response. Despite protests from 67% of the city’s aldermen to retain the system, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the shutdown, with opposition primarily from aldermen representing areas without ShotSpotter coverage.
Ald. Gregory Mitchell (7th), who represents the neighborhood where the victim was found, was among the City Council members advocating for the preservation of ShotSpotter.
While the administration claims to have explored alternative gunshot detection systems to replace ShotSpotter, no progress has been made in awarding a new contract. Questions surrounding the delay in implementing a replacement system remain unanswered, raising concerns about the city’s ability to effectively respond to such incidents.
About this series
Following the termination of Chicago’s association with ShotSpotter, this reporting series titled “Brandon’s Bodies” aims to highlight cases where gunshot detection technology could have aided in investigations and potentially saved lives.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to dismantle ShotSpotter despite widespread support for its retention has sparked outrage among community members, officials, and advocates. This series focuses on documenting instances where the absence of gunshot detection technology may have impacted the outcome of shooting incidents.
By shedding light on situations where victims were found without corresponding 911 calls or delays in locating them, “Brandon’s Bodies” seeks to underscore the importance of effective gunshot detection systems in enhancing public safety.
