A teenager lost his life in a shooting at Hillcrest High School’s homecoming football game on Friday, September 15.
Marshawn Mitchell, a 14-year-old resident of Hazel Crest, Illinois was leaving the game between the Hillcrest Hawks and Oak Forest Bengals with friends when the incident occurred near Independence Park, a short distance from the school.
He sustained a chest injury and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately did not survive.
In a statement, Marshawn’s mother revealed that their family had relocated to the southern suburbs three years ago, seeking a safer environment away from city-related violence. Marshawn had only recently started attending Hillcrest High School.
Outside the school, many of Marshawn’s friends gathered to pay their respects, with some holding signs in his memory. One friend described him as “fun, always funny, and loving.”
Addressing the situation, a spokesperson from Bremen High School District 228 commented, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a Hillcrest High School student following the incident on 175th Street after the game. Our thoughts are with the affected families and friends.”
The school decided to cancel the homecoming dance scheduled for the following Saturday.
As investigations continue, no suspects have been identified. Country Club Hills police are actively reviewing surveillance footage from the area around the school.
The Andrew Holmes Foundation is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.
