Jose Boyd, 26, was killed in Chicago, Illinois, on January 1, 2008. His death occurred at the start of a year that would see a sharp rise in homicides across the city, with the Chicago Police Department reporting more than 500 killings by the end of 2008.

The homicide of Boyd is described against a backdrop of escalating violence in neighborhoods dealing with high levels of gang activity, poverty, and social instability. Community members and organizations responding to incidents like Boyd’s emphasized addressing root causes such as poverty, education, and economic opportunity alongside law enforcement efforts.

If anyone knew Jose Boyd or has information about the circumstances of his death, please share what is known.