Leonardo Bautista Jr., 16, was shot and killed on January 29, 2022, in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on the Southwest Side. He and another teenage boy, 17, were inside a vehicle during what police say was a drug transaction when two suspects approached and opened fire. Leonardo was struck in the head and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The other boy was hit in the neck, self-transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital, and was later transferred to Mount Sinai in critical condition.

Chicago police identified a 16-year-old boy as the alleged shooter and charged him with first-degree murder in Leonardo’s death and attempted murder for the wounded teenager. Bail was denied at a hearing and the juvenile remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. The community has expressed sorrow and concern about youth violence and drug-related crime in the area.

If anyone knew Leonardo or witnessed the shooting, please share what you know.