14-year-old boy charged with double-shooting that left teen dead during ‘large group’ gathering in the South Loop

Video frames show Chicago police officers making an arrest and dozens of people gathered in a credit union parking lot during a “large group” incident in the South Loop on March 2, 2024. (Chicago Critter)

CHICAGO — A 14-year-old boy is charged with shooting two teenagers, killing one, during a large group gathering in the South Loop last month.

Hundreds of people converged in the area of Roosevelt and Canal after 7 p.m. on March 2 in response to announcements circulated on social media.

Part of the group was gathered in the parking lot of BMO Harris Bank, 522 West Roosevelt, when at least one gunman fired shots at 8:06 p.m., according to a CPD media statement and witnesses. Officers, already in the area, immediately called out shots fired on the radio and responded to the scene. They began lifesaving efforts, detained a suspect, and recovered a firearm, police said

A 17-year-old boy who suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and neck was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, police said. A 15-year-old boy was listed in fair condition at Stroger with a gunshot wound to his left leg.

Chicago police on Tuesday said prosecutors have now approved charges against a 14-year-old boy in connection with the shootings. He’s charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm.

Chicago cops chased and arrested a suspect moments after the shooting, but they were released without being immediately charged. It is unclear if the person detained last month is the 14-year-old now facing charges.

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