A Promising Life Cut Short

On January 3, 2017, the city of Chicago was shaken by the tragic death of 16-year-old Malik L. McNeese. A sophomore at Urban Prep Academy's West Campus, Malik was known for his respectful and joyful demeanor. His life was abruptly ended in a senseless act of violence, leaving his family, friends, and community in deep mourning.

The Fateful Day

Malik and his friend, 17-year-old Stevie Jefferson, were standing outside around noon in the 3400 block of West Fulton when a black SUV approached. Without warning, someone inside the vehicle opened fire, striking Malik in the head, back, and arm, and Stevie in the head. A 65-year-old woman inside her home was also wounded by a stray bullet that pierced her door and struck her in the leg. The assailants fled the scene, and despite the efforts of first responders, both teenagers succumbed to their injuries. The elderly woman survived her wound....Read More