In the tragic events of June 21, 2024, two sources reported on a shooting incident that left a young life taken in Chicago's Near West Side. The victims were identified as 7-year-old Jai'mani Amir Rivera and the alleged perpetrator as a 16-year-old suspect.
According to the first source, Jai'mani was leaving his home when he was struck by gunfire from outside his apartment complex on West Jackson Boulevard near South Western Avenue. The shooter, who was not the intended target, opened fire about 300 feet away from Jai'mani. Surveillance footage showed the suspect holding a rifle and firing multiple rounds towards the complex.
The second source reported that Raysean Comer, a 16-year-old boy, appeared in court for his hearing regarding the fatal shooting of Jai'mani. He was charged with one felony count of first-degree murder and one felony count of personally discharging a firearm that caused the death. Witnesses reported seeing Comer holding a rifle and firing rounds towards Oakley Square Apartments after the shooting.
Jai'mani was described as an innocent child who was taken away too soon. He was leaving his building to take a cooking pot to a neighbor when he was struck by the stray bullet in his back. Despite efforts from responding officers and medical personnel, Jai'mani did not survive.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities recovering 13 spent .223-caliber shell casings from the rear parking lot of Crane Medical Prep High School and a loaded 9mm handgun during Comer's arrest at his home. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it is believed that Comer may not have been targeting anyone specifically.
The tragic loss of Jai'mani Amir Rivera serves as a reminder of the senseless violence that continues to plague our communities. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
