Tyshawn Lee’s traumatic, final moments prior to being gunned down in a Chicago, Illinois, alley have been revealed. According to ABC News , the Cook County prosecutors’ investigation has led to the chilling discovery of the slain 9-year-old’s final minutes.
Almost immediately after Tyshawn’s death was reported, the Chicago Police Department speculated the horrific shooting was the result of gang retaliation. Now, the latest reports suggest the speculation may be accurate. However, that’s not all. Breitbart also reports that the heinous crime, which took place on Nov. 2, may have been an opportunity for revenge.
Prosecutors believe the shooting suspect in custody, Corey Morgan, a 27-year-old gang member and convicted felon, preyed upon Tyshawn Lee, simply because he was “an easy target” to avenge the death of a family member who was also killed as a result of gang violence. Tyshawn was playing at Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood when the three suspects arrived in a black SUV.
According to WBAL, Morgan reportedly worked with an accomplice identified as Kevin Edwards, 22, and a third male who has not been named. Witnesses have allegedly placed all three suspects in or around the park at the time of Tyshawn’s murder. At one point, the unindentified suspect reportedly played basketball with Tyshawn before the shooting occurred. After gaining Tyshawn’s trust, the three men allegedly lured him into the alley and fired at him several times at close range.
Chicago man charged with first-degree murder in the suspected gang-related shooting of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee https://t.co/ooXdM6llcQ
— Global Grind (@GlobalGrind) November 27, 2015
It has been reported that Tyshawn was shot several times in the upper body area, including in his head. The autopsy also revealed Tyshawn raised his hands in an effort to shield himself from the impending gunfire, but to no avail. In addition to the upper body wounds, he was also shot in the hand.
Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy released a statement about Morgan and his criminal history, which includes “extensive violence.” He also revealed the Chicago Police Department has a message for the dangerous gangs committing so many crimes in the area. He also warned that the gang members may kill others if they assume people are cooperating with local authorities since they had no reservations about executing a 9-year-old child.
“Shortly after the shooting, [Morgan] stated that since his brother was killed and his mama shot, he was going to kill grandmas, mamas, kids and all,” Cook County prosecutors said. “After that day, [Morgan] and two others went out daily armed with guns, looking to retaliate.”
“That gang just signed its own death warrant,” Superintendent Garry McCarthy said Friday. “We’re going to go in and destroy that gang and, by the way, the rival gang, too.”
Prosecutors believe the shooting was indeed “targeted and calculated,” which is why Corey Morgan has been charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Tyshawn Lee. At this point, Morgan is the only suspect in custody and his request for bail has been denied. Edwards and the unidentified suspect are still at large. Detectives still have not found the murder weapon, but believe only one of the suspects actually fired. The investigation into Tyshawn Lee’s murder will be ongoing.
[Image(s) via Chicago Police Department]
