Daniel Calderon and Ernest Williams are the latest teens to die in the incessant war on Chicago's streets.
Police believe both shootings may be gang-related.
Two teenagers were standing on the sidewalk near 69th and Paxton in South Shore, Saturday night. A man with a handgun walks up and opens fire. Both boys were shot multiple times.
Two hours later, Ernest Williams dies at Comer Children's Hospital. He was 17 years old. A 14-year old remains hospitalized in serious to critical condition. Police say the shooting may be gang and drug-related.
Ironically, the shooting happened just a few blocks from where Mayor Daley and Chicago Police Superintendent, Jody Weis, marched and rallied for an end to the violence, earlier in the day.
Check out this video from the CAPS March.
I guess as soon as the rally was over, it was back to business as usual on the streets.
Late Friday night, two teenagers were shot in a drive-by near 23rd and Seeley Avenue. Daniel Calderon was killed. He was 15 years old. Neighbors say he wasn't involved in gangs. He was active in school, and he helped out along the block where he lived. The other teen was in stable condition at Stroger Hospital.
Also this weekend, an arrest was made in the murder of 13-year old, Sameere Conn. Sameere was buying snacks at a corner store after football practice, when he was shot and killed on October 1st. The boy charged in his death is just 15.
In all the talk about the marathon, baseball playoffs, and Olympic dreams, it's so easy to forget about what's happening on the city's streets, every single day.
You know who can't forget? Sameere's mother and father, Ernest and Daniel's friends and relatives, and, the relatives of all of these gun-toting young people who are pulling triggers to mask their own hurt.
This week, Chicago Public Schools chief, Arne Duncan, turned down a violence prevention award. He says he doesn't deserve it.
What more can our city leaders do to stop the violence? What can each of us do?
We want to hear what you think. Post a message.
Comments (4)
WHY DO EVERTIME SOMEBODY GET KILLED THE NEWS ALWAYS SAYIN GANG RELATED MY NAME IS SHAQUANDRA AND IM THE BESTFRIEND OF DALVIN CALMESE MILLER MY FRIEND WAS GUN DOWN LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 14,2007 RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME DATS CRAZY PEOPLE JUST KILLIN US FOR NO REASON NO REASON AT ALL REST IN PEACE TO ALL THE PEOPLE WE LOST
Posted by SHAQUANDRA | October 28, 2008 11:35 PM
Posted on October 28, 2008 23:35
I knew ernest just like his aunt said he loved to dance he would'nt pick up a gun in hurt nobody he loved the girls he loved dancing he was the type to make u laugh all the time man the media is wrong about gang related that was my friend homie god bless who ever killed my buddy'homie'.
R.I.P EJ. Toya 77th coles and Southshore
Posted by Toya | October 21, 2008 9:27 AM
Posted on October 21, 2008 09:27
i am a close friend of 15 year old Daniel Calderon, i knew him since 5th grade. He was so nice, always made everybody laugh. that was my buddy, its so hard to hear that they shot him. for what? They had no reason to, probably over some gang stuff. But my buddy Danny wasnt even in any gangs, he was one of the few friends that I have that never turned out. Danny was close with my family and my fam was close with his. We always chilled togethor before i moved. Even when I go back and visit I always see him. it makes me mad that some dumb people killed my friend. Not even trynna be selfish, he was a big loss to the whole hood. He was one good kid. I love that nigga and no matter what happened we always knew we could count on echother. Forever and always Daniel Calderon will be in my heart.
Posted by Sophia Semens | October 17, 2008 1:44 PM
Posted on October 17, 2008 13:44
I am the cousin of 17 year old Ernest Williams who was viciously gunned down on 69th Paxton. I am hurting and I am really upset that the media is calling his death gang and drug related. Ernest was not that type of kid. Ernest liked to dance and like every other teenage boy, he loved the girls. My aunt ( his grandmother) took very good care of Ernest. Ernest was brought up with the best of everything including morals, values, and repect for others. He was not involved in drug activities and he was not gang affiliated. He was a good kid. I am upset that our young children are out here commiting senseless murders that hurt both there families as well as the victims. I pray that all of this madness comes to an end and there be peace on our streets. Ernest would not pick up a gun and hurt anyone. My message to the killer(s): Why would you murder my cousin, who was not even a threat to you or anyone else? May GOD bless you.
Posted by Sonyita Teague | October 14, 2008 9:05 PM
Posted on October 14, 2008 21:05