CHICAGO, IL – A 13-year-old boy, identified by family as Amari “Mari” Williams, was found shot to death early Monday morning in the North Lawndale neighborhood. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) discovered the teen’s body at approximately 2:10 a.m. on March 17 while patrolling near 15th Street and Kildare Avenue.
Officers noticed an unconscious male lying in a yard and approached to check on him. Upon closer inspection, they determined that Williams had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical personnel responded, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released any details about the circumstances of the shooting. Notably, there were no 911 calls reporting gunfire or a person shot in the area before officers made the grim discovery. CPD’s Area 4 Detectives have launched an investigation to determine what led to the shooting and to identify those responsible.
Williams’ death adds to the growing list of homicides in Chicago this year. His case also marks the 37th fatal shooting or homicide found without a prior 911 report under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, following the city’s decision to end its contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system that previously covered the area.
Residents and community leaders have expressed concern over the ongoing violence affecting Chicago’s youth. Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via CPDTIP.com, or individuals can contact the Chicago Police Department’s 10th District at (312) 747-7511.
