A 17-year-old boy from Chicago, Davion Pryor, is facing adult charges of first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his mother, Tatanisha Jackson, 43, at point-blank range in front of his father and younger brother. The tragic incident took place on Thursday, September 19 in the family’s South Shore neighborhood home, sending shockwaves through the community.
Chicago police said Pryor was arrested the same evening, just before 10 p.m., in the 7000 block of South Cottage Grove, several hours after fleeing the scene.
According to prosecutors, Pryor shot Jackson four times in the head as she unlocked the door to their home on Cornell Avenue. His father, who was with Jackson and their seven-year-old son at the time, recounted how he heard additional shots as he called 911 and rushed the younger boy to safety.
The teen’s father told authorities that Pryor had called his mother about 10 minutes before the shooting, mentioning that someone was drinking on their back porch, but there was no indication that the call was threatening. Upon arriving home, Jackson began unlocking the door when Pryor, who was on the other side, opened it and shot her in front of her family. A nearby worker reported hearing more than a dozen gunshots.
First responders arrived to find Jackson with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Twelve shell casings were found near the scene, along with a firearm, according to police reports. Jackson was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Pryor fled the scene but turned himself in several hours later. Police confirmed his arrest and stated that the investigation remains ongoing.
Pryor’s history with the legal system also came to light during the investigation. At the time of the shooting, Pryor was on home confinement due to pending cases in juvenile court for aggravated battery and vehicular hijacking. He was scheduled to appear in court for these charges on October 3. Additionally, his grandmother, who was present in court for his arraignment, revealed that Pryor has been diagnosed with mental health issues in the past and had been off his prescribed medication leading up to the incident. “He’s had these problems, but he wasn’t taking his meds,” she told reporters, adding that she hopes the court mandates a proper mental health evaluation for her grandson.
Pryor appeared before Judge David Kelly on Saturday afternoon, where emotions ran high. The judge was visibly shaken and had to stop proceedings multiple times to compose himself. Referring to the case, Judge Kelly called it a tragedy and expressed concern about the effects the incident will have on the surviving family members. Judge Kelly ordered Pryor to remain in custody without bail pending his next court date.
Prosecutors painted a grim picture of the moments leading up to Jackson’s death, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the shooting.
The court has ordered a comprehensive mental health evaluation for Pryor, as his defense team argues that his mental health may have played a significant role in the events of that day.
Family members, including Jackson’s older children, were present at the hearing. Pryor’s half-sister and grandmother expressed disbelief at the events that transpired, while Jackson’s husband has requested privacy as he navigates the difficult road ahead.
Jackson is survived by her three sons, including Pryor, and an older stepdaughter.
Pryor remains in custody, with the court still determining his fate as his family, neighbors, and the city mourn the loss of another life.