CHICAGO, IL – Tragedy struck the Washington Park neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side Tuesday evening as 19-year-olds Daquan Walters and Jeramiah Lee were gunned down inside a home on the 5300 block of South Wabash Avenue. Authorities confirmed that both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they were later pronounced dead.

The shooting occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on January 28, 2025, sending shockwaves through the community. As of Wednesday morning, no suspects have been arrested, and detectives from the Chicago Police Department’s Homicide Division are actively investigating the case.

Police Respond to Reports of Gunfire, Find Two Victims Unresponsive

According to Chicago Police, officers were dispatched to the Washington Park neighborhood after receiving multiple 911 calls regarding gunfire in the area. When they arrived at the home, they discovered Walters and Lee unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities immediately called for emergency medical personnel, and both victims were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where doctors attempted life-saving measures. Unfortunately, both young men succumbed to their injuries.

Police have not released information about a possible suspect or motive but have confirmed that homicide detectives are conducting an intensive investigation into the deadly shooting.

Who Were the Victims? Friends and Family Remember Two Young Lives Lost Too Soon

Daquan Walters and Jeramiah Lee, both 19 years old, had their entire futures ahead of them before their lives were cut short in this tragic act of violence.

Daquan Walters, a Washington Park resident, was described by family members as a bright and determined young man who had recently started taking classes at a local community college. His older sister, Tanisha Walters, expressed her devastation over his death.

“My little brother didn’t deserve this. He was working so hard to turn his life around. He had dreams, goals, and now he’s gone.”

Friends of Jeramiah Lee said he was an aspiring music producer who had big plans for his career. His cousin, Marcus Holloway, spoke to reporters, describing Jeramiah as someone who “lived and breathed music.”

“Jeramiah wanted to make something of himself. He was working on his own music, helping others with theirs, and really trying to do something positive. Now all of that has been taken away from him.”

Community Reacts: Calls for Justice and an End to Violence

The Washington Park neighborhood has struggled with gun violence, and this latest shooting has left residents shaken and frustrated. Community leaders, activists, and grieving families are calling for swift justice and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Reverend Corey Brooks, a well-known activist against gun violence, condemned the shooting, saying:

“This is a tragedy that should never have happened. Two young men were taken from us far too soon. We need justice for Daquan and Jeramiah, but more than that, we need real change in our community.”

What We Know About the Investigation So Far

Police have yet to release specific details about how the shooting unfolded, but detectives are currently reviewing:

• Surveillance footage from homes and businesses near the crime scene
• Ballistic evidence to determine the type of weapon used
• Witness statements from neighbors who may have heard or seen something suspicious

Authorities are also trying to determine whether the shooting was targeted or a random act of violence.

One police source told reporters that the investigation remains wide open, with multiple possible leads being explored.

“We are following up on all information provided to us. We urge anyone with knowledge of what happened to reach out to law enforcement.”

A Troubling Pattern: Rising Gun Violence in Chicago

The deaths of Daquan Walters and Jeramiah Lee are part of a larger trend of rising gun violence in Chicago. Data from the Chicago Police Department shows that homicides have increased by 15% in the first month of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Experts point to factors such as:

• Increased gang activity
• Easy access to firearms
• Lack of economic and educational opportunities for young people

Local officials, including Alderman Jeanette Taylor (20th Ward), have called for a renewed focus on community intervention programs to address the root causes of violence.

“We cannot continue losing our young people like this. It’s time for real investment in our communities—jobs, mental health support, education, and conflict resolution programs.”

Chicago Police Urge Public to Come Forward With Information

As the homicide investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Those with tips can contact:

• Chicago Police Homicide Division: (312) 747-8271
• Chicago Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips): 1-800-535-STOP

A $5,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to an arrest in the case.

For now, the families of Daquan Walters and Jeramiah Lee are left mourning their devastating loss, hoping that justice will be served.

As police continue their search for answers, residents of Washington Park remain on edge, wondering when the violence in their community will finally come to an end.