Family of teen killed in South Loop shooting call for charges

CHICAGO — The family of a teenager who was killed after gunfire erupted during a large gathering of teens in the South Loop on Saturday is speaking out.

According to Chicago police, officers were already near the 500 block of West Roosevelt Road, where around 200 teens were gathered, when shots were fired near West Roosevelt and Canal streets just after 8 p.m.

A 15-year-old boy was shot of the leg and survived. 

Jeremy Smith, 17, was struck and critically injured. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

His family said he was taking part in a Facebook meet up at Roosevelt and Canal when he was shot. 

His family said Jeremy was a high school senior and about to graduate this spring.

His parents say they thought he was in a different location when they got the call about the shooting.

The meetup drew hundreds of people to the area.

His family is not only calling for the shooter to be turned in and charged, but also for parents to verify that where their children say they’re going is where they are going to be.  

“I wish I was there. My son didn’t tell me everything,” Jeremy’s mother Rhonda Baker said.

“You got to mind to your children. Sometimes your children say they’re going to be one place … don’t lie to those who love you,” his stepfather Hashim Bailey said. “Jeremy was a decent dude. He wasn’t no criminal affairs. He didn’t deserve what he got.”

At least nine teens, from 14-18 years old, are facing criminal charges related to the gathering where the shooting happened.

Police arrested one person for the shooting. That person has since been released without charges. 

Jeremy’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help with the cost of his funeral.