Sameer Barakat, 19, was fatally shot on August 5, 2012, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. The shooting occurred about 2:40 a.m. on North Whipple Street while Sameer was walking with his father during the holy month of Ramadan. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that morning.

Authorities believe the attack was gang-related; it happened in an area noted for significant gang activity. Family and community members have publicly urged authorities to identify and hold those responsible accountable, and Sameer’s death is cited as part of a wider pattern of violence affecting young people in the city.

If anyone has information about that night on North Whipple Street or about Sameer’s killing, please come forward to help bring answers to his family.