A Promising Future Cut Short

Marcel Q. Pearson, a 17-year-old from Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood, was on the cusp of a bright future. Having recently graduated from Johnson College Prep High School, Marcel was set to become the first in his family to attend college. He had enrolled at Western Illinois University and was eagerly anticipating his orientation, scheduled just two days before his untimely death. 

The Fateful Night in Robichaux Park

On the evening of July 8, 2014, Marcel and a 15-year-old friend were walking through Robichaux Park near 93rd and South Eggleston. At approximately 10 p.m., a white minivan approached them. An assailant exited the vehicle and opened fire, striking Marcel in the chest and back. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while his friend sustained a leg injury but survived. ...Read More