Chicago, Illinois – A 15-year-old boy was tragically shot and killed while biking to his father’s home in a neighborhood on the Near West Side. John Thomas was remembered as a vibrant young man who considered everyone in his life part of his family, a sentiment echoed by his mother, Selinda Bennett.
According to Bennett, John’s warmth touched many who crossed his path. “There was never a friend who didn’t become family. That’s just who he was,” she said. The fatal incident occurred Friday afternoon as John was headed out for Halloween celebrations when he was shot in the 1300 block of West Grenshaw Street.
A nearby resident reported hearing a barrage of gunfire around 4:15 p.m. “I’ve never heard anything like it,” he said, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns. He described witnessing a chaotic scene from his loft when gunfire erupted, with John falling from his bike after being struck.
Reports indicate that the boy appeared to defend himself during the confrontation. While unconfirmed, the resident noted seeing John briefly rise and reportedly reach for a firearm. However, police had no record of John being armed, stating that only his keys and phone were found at the scene.
Further details emerged as police recovered at least 20 shell casings from the area, intensifying calls for justice as John’s family mourns his loss. Bennett firmly denied any suggestion that her son might have been armed, emphasizing his gentle nature. “He was not that kind of child. He had love from everyone around him,” she said.
Video footage revealed a confrontation shortly before the shooting, with two individuals approaching John in an apparent attempt to steal his bike. Bennett expressed her deep anguish over the incident, highlighting her son’s character and the love he cultivated. “He was so loved, and he brought joy to others,” she said.
The tragic event has left the local community shaken. A resident remarked on his growing sense of vulnerability, sharing his distress over the frequency of gunfire in the area. He has encountered several unsettling incidents since moving there, including a carjacking chase and multiple break-ins. “It feels unsafe,” he said. “I’d welcome the National Guard if it meant more security in our neighborhood.”
John was not only beloved by his family but also a bright student, having earned the title of valedictorian in eighth grade. He continued to excel at Chicago Bulls College Prep, where he cherished subjects like math and passionately participated in basketball and cooking. “He was just living his life, making sure everyone felt his presence,” Bennett recalled.
In this time of grief, Bennett implored other parents to cherish their children. “Hug your kids and always tell them you love them,” she urged, urging the community to reflect on the importance of love and care amid the ongoing violence. The Thomas family continues to seek justice, not just for John but for everyone affected by such senseless acts of violence.