Samuel A. Williams, 23, was shot and killed on October 24, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. His death was one of many that year during a marked surge in homicides across the city, which saw 764 murders in 2016.

Commentary about 2016 links the rise in killings to a decline in street stop activities by law enforcement after a consent decree with the ACLU, and researchers at the University of Chicago Crime Lab suggested that reduced proactive tactics such as stop and frisks may have helped drive the sharp increase in shootings. The homicide spike was concentrated in neighborhoods already facing economic hardship and elevated gang activity, worsening residents’ sense of insecurity.

If anyone knew Samuel or has information about the shooting, please come forward to assist the investigation.