Chicago’s infamy as the ‘murder capital of the country’ has been ratified yet again, and unfortunately a 3-year-old child also got caught in the crossfire. The ‘Chicago Sun Times‘ disclosed that two unidentified gunman opened fire on a crowd of people on a basketball court at Cornell Square Park. The park is located in the 1800-block of W. 51st street in the ‘Back of the Yards’ neighborhood of South Side Chicago around 10:15pm.
Three victims, Johnny Tinsey, 36, Rubin Austin, 25, and an unidentified 29-year-old woman were killed in the vile attack. Thirteen bystanders, which included two teenagers, and a 3-year-old, were wounded in the violent episode. Approximately 60 police officers arrived to the scene at the height of the chaotic night. Police believe this was a gang-related shooting. Three of the victims, including 3-year-old child, Deonta Howard, are in critical condition. However, the child’s grandmother, Semehca Nunn, stated that his condition is now stable.
Twelve people, including a 3-year-old child, shot at a Chicago park. http://t.co/RLhKXEcqFK pic.twitter.com/9dLwwi9Zib
— KTLA (@KTLA) September 20, 2013
The Chicago Police Department has stated that no arrests. Victims and witnesses are currently being interviewed in an effort to determine some form of vindication for the attack. However, they were able to determine that the gunmen had to have fired approximately 16 rounds of 7.62 mm bullets, which are only used when operating assault rifles. Rifles that only belong ‘on a battlefield,’ which also leads the police to believe the weapons were definitely illegal.
Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy issued a statement on Friday, vowing to ensue justice for all who suffered in wake of this incident. “We are bringing the full force of this department … and law enforcement partners … to come to a quick conclusion,” he said. McCarthy also stated that several of the wounded victims were gang members themselves. However, an intended target could not be determined.
http://youtu.be/8v5gmlCaBkk
Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel abruptly canceled his travels, immediately returning to Chicago to address the matter at hand. Emanuel also issued a statement of address in regards to the shooting: “Senseless and brazen acts of violence have no place in Chicago and betray all that we stand for. The perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I encourage everyone in the community to step forward with any information and everyone in Chicago to continue their individual efforts to build stronger communities where violence has no place.”
Image via Las Vegas Guardian Express
