Crime
17-year-old DeJohn Garrett killed after shooting on 80th Street and Colfax Avenue in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood
Chicago police are investigating the fatal shooting of 17-year-old DeJohn Garrett, a local teen rapper known by his stage name “FatDrench”, whose body was discovered early Wednesday morning.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Garrett’s identity after he was found dead in an alley near the intersection of 80th Street and Colfax Avenue in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
Around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, officers responded to a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, they found Garrett with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the shooting likely occurred approximately two hours before Garrett’s body was found. A passerby reportedly discovered him in the alley and called 911 to report the grim discovery.
Earlier in the evening, 911 calls had been made regarding gunfire near 79th Street and Yates Boulevard, a location monitored by the city’s now-deactivated ShotSpotter system.
At this time, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) has not released additional details about potential suspects or motives. Detectives from Area 2 are leading the investigation.
This marks the 20th shooting death reported in Chicago since the decision by city officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, to discontinue the use of ShotSpotter technology as a cost-saving measure. The controversial decision has drawn criticism from some community members, who argue the system could have aided in reducing violent crime or alerting authorities sooner.
CPD is urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via CPDTIP.COM, or by contacting the 4th District Police Station at (312) 747-8205.
The death of Garrett, an aspiring rapper, has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends and fans mourning his untimely passing and sharing condolences for his family. This tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence impacting Chicago’s youth and communities.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.