Jaiden Howard was 16 when his body was found in the Cook County forest preserve near Dixmoor and Harvey on November 1, 2022. The discovery was made about 3:53 p.m. at Dixmoor Playfield. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Jaiden died of a gunshot wound to the back of his head and ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators identified a 17-year-old from Robbins, Jahqwan Castillo, and charged him as an adult with first-degree murder; a warrant for arrest on the murder charge was issued April 17, 2023. Castillo was also connected to an aggravated unlawful use of a weapon charge with a separate warrant issued May 18, 2023. The case has drawn attention in the community because of the victim’s age and the location where he was found.

If anyone has information about Jaiden, his movements on November 1, 2022, or the area around the 14000 block of South Thornton Road, please come forward.