Two teenage boys, identified as 17-year-old Monterio Williams and 16-year-old Robert Boston, were fatally shot on Friday afternoon, January 26, in Chicago, Illinois, as they left Innovations High School. The incident occurred around 12:25 p.m. local time.
According to Chicago police, the boys were with other students exiting the school when masked suspects emerged from two vehicles and opened fire on the group.
Williams and Boston were struck by the gunfire, sustaining critical injuries. They were transported to a nearby hospital where they were pronounced dead. Williams suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and hip, while Boston was hit in the chest. The shooting, which took place in broad daylight, occurred near the Loop elevated train station, a busy part of downtown Chicago.
The attack triggered a rapid response from local law enforcement agencies. Despite their efforts, no immediate arrests were made in connection with the shooting. Chicago police are continuing their search for the suspects, believed to have used a dark sedan and an SUV in the assault. Surveillance video from the scene is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly impacting the families of the victims and the student body of Innovations High School. The school, which has 443 students, is known as an alternative educational institution focusing on re-engaging children who may have faced challenges in traditional school settings. The school announced a closure on Monday following the incident, planning to reopen on Tuesday to mourn the loss of the two students.
Deputy Chicago Police Chief Jon Hein, at the scene of the crime, described the heartbreaking impact of the incident on the community.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson extended his condolences to their families and the Innovations High School community.
After the shooting, the city of Chicago experienced a spike in gun violence. Over the subsequent weekend, at least 14 other individuals were shot in separate incidents, adding to the city’s concerns about public safety and gun-related crimes. Community activist Andrew Holmes commented on the devastating impact of the shooting on the families of Williams and Boston, emphasizing their desire for justice.
The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating the case and has appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of the suspects.