Chicago, IL – A quiet evening in the Washington Park neighborhood turned into a scene of devastation Tuesday night as two young men, 19-year-old Jeramiah Lee and 19-year-old Daquan Walters, were shot and killed inside a home on the 5300 block of South Wabash Avenue, authorities confirmed.

The deadly shooting, which occurred around 6:35 p.m., has left the community reeling as police continue their search for the gunman. According to the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they were tragically pronounced dead.

No arrests have been made, and police have yet to release details regarding a possible suspect or motive behind the attack. The fatal shooting marks yet another tragic incident in the city’s ongoing battle with gun violence, leaving friends, family members, and the local community mourning the loss of two young lives.

A Night of Violence: How the Shooting Unfolded

According to preliminary reports from Chicago Police, officers responded to 911 calls of shots fired at the residence around 6:35 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered Jeramiah Lee and Daquan Walters unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police sources indicate that at least one suspect entered the home before opening fire on the two victims. Investigators are now trying to determine whether the shooter forced entry, was known to the victims, or had any prior dispute with them.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing several gunshots before seeing someone flee from the home. However, authorities have not confirmed any details about the suspect or their potential escape route.

Victims Identified: Remembering Jeramiah Lee and Daquan Walters

Jeramiah Lee and Daquan Walters were both 19 years old, full of life and with their futures ahead of them. Friends and family described them as ambitious young men who had dreams of success beyond their current circumstances.

Lee’s cousin, Marcus Holloway, told reporters that Jeramiah had aspirations of becoming a music producer and had been working on several projects with local artists. “He wanted to make it big in the music industry, and he worked hard every single day. He didn’t deserve this,” Holloway said.

Similarly, Daquan Walters had recently enrolled in a community college and was focused on bettering his future. His older sister, Tanisha Walters, expressed heartbreak over his sudden loss. “Daquan was my little brother, my best friend. He wanted to do something with his life. This city took him away from us.”

Community Reacts: Grief, Frustration, and the Call for Justice

The Washington Park neighborhood, located on the South Side of Chicago, has long struggled with gun violence, and this latest shooting has only intensified concerns among residents.

Several neighbors gathered near the crime scene Tuesday night, expressing frustration over the ongoing violence plaguing their streets.

Reverend Corey Brooks, a local activist and community leader, said:

“We are tired of losing our young men to senseless violence. This has to stop. We need justice for Jeramiah and Daquan, and we need real change in our city.”

City officials, including Alderman Jeanette Taylor (20th Ward), have called for a full investigation into the shooting and have urged anyone with information to come forward. “These were two young men with bright futures ahead of them. We cannot let their deaths go unanswered,” Taylor stated.

Police Investigation: What We Know So Far

As of Wednesday morning, Chicago Police Department Homicide Detectives were still actively working the case. Investigators have been reviewing surveillance footage from nearby residences and businesses to determine the suspect’s movements before and after the attack.

Authorities are also looking into possible motives, including:

• Targeted attack vs. random violence
• Personal disputes or prior conflicts
• Gang-related connections (though neither victim was known to be affiliated with gangs)

One law enforcement source told reporters that ballistic evidence found at the scene could be critical in identifying the shooter. Detectives are also speaking with friends and family of both victims to gather additional leads.

Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information to step forward.

Gun Violence in Chicago: A Worsening Crisis

The tragic deaths of Jeramiah Lee and Daquan Walters highlight the worsening gun violence crisis in Chicago.

According to Chicago Police Department data, the city has recorded over 50 homicides in the first month of 2024 alone. Many of these incidents occur in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately affected by poverty, lack of resources, and systemic violence.

Community organizations and activists have long called for increased funding for youth programs, job opportunities, and mental health services as part of a broader effort to combat the cycle of violence.

Pastor Michael Pfleger, a well-known anti-violence advocate, emphasized:

“If we don’t invest in our young people, we will continue to lose them to the streets. This is not just a policing issue—it’s a community issue, and it requires real solutions.”

Seeking Justice: Authorities Urge Public to Come Forward

The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact their Homicide Division at (312) 747-8271 or to leave an anonymous tip through Chicago Crime Stoppers at 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 Jeramiah Lee and Daquan Walters are left mourning their devastating loss, hoping that justice will be served.

As the investigation continues, residents of Washington Park remain on edge, wondering when the violence in their community will finally come to an end.