Robert Barr was a 15-year-old African American boy from Chicago who was killed on May 26, 2021. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds late that evening after being struck while walking home from a friend’s house in a neighborhood described as having high crime rates. Emergency services responded but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators concluded Barr was an unintended victim of gang-related violence in what was reported as a drive-by shooting aimed at a rival gang member. Several suspects were identified; a 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and multiple counts of aggravated assault based on eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage. At trial the prosecution introduced ballistic reports and witness testimony and the jury convicted the defendant of first-degree murder, resulting in a sentence of life without parole.

If anyone knew Robert, saw him that evening, or has information about the shooting, please share what can help the ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragedies.