On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, a shooting on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, tragically took the life of a seven-year-old boy, Jai’mani Amir Rivera. The incident happened around 3 p.m. on the 2300 block of West Jackson Boulevard as Rivera was leaving his home to visit a neighbor nearby.
Upon arrival, officers found the child on the ground with a gunshot wound in his chest. They immediately performed emergency life-saving procedures. Despite their swift actions and quick transport to Stroger Hospital, Rivera was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed deep sadness and frustration at the press conference following the incident. “The random shooting of this seven-year-old is unacceptable,” asserted Snelling. “We have to think about who we are as a society when our kids are being shot in the street.”
Superintendent Snelling confirmed that 13 shots were fired during the incident, with the bullet that hit Rivera coming from outside of the gated Oakley Square Apartments complex where he lived.
The investigation into the death of Rivera has resulted in charges of first-degree murder for a 16-year-old suspect, who had an outstanding warrant for a previous robbery. The suspect was identified by police from surveillance camera footage. Superintendent Snelling highlighted that Rivera was not the intended target of the shooting, which involved multiple shots fired from a significant distance.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke about the city’s ongoing battle with gun violence, emphasizing the necessity to stop these violent acts. Mayor Johnson highlighted the surge in weapons entering Chicago and across the country, stressing the importance of stopping this influx and holding those responsible to account.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Rivera’s identity and underscored the broader issue of gun violence impacting young people in the city.
Superintendent Snelling reported that in 2024, 127 children and teenagers under 18 have fallen victim to gun violence, resulting in 17 deaths. “Those numbers are significantly down from last year, but still unacceptable,” he said.
Residents of the Oakley Square Apartments, a gated complex where Rivera lived, described the area as dangerous due to frequent gunfire. They often keep their children indoors due to safety concerns.
The shooting has sparked renewed debates about the need for comprehensive strategies to address gun violence in Chicago. Superintendent Snelling criticized the local judiciary and State Attorney Kim Foxx’s office for their inadequate prosecution of violent offenders, while Mayor Johnson defended his administration’s investments in community programs and violence prevention initiatives.
As the investigation progresses, the Chicago Police Department has increased patrols in the area and is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
