Elijah Sims was a 16-year-old African American male who was shot and killed on August 29, 2016, in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, two days before his 17th birthday. He was visiting friends in the 5500 block of West Quincy Street when he was struck by a bullet police say was not intended for him, reportedly a bystander in a gang-related shooting. His family had moved to nearby Oak Park for safety and schooling, but Elijah returned to Austin that day and did not come home.

The shooter remains at large and no arrests have been made. Elijah’s funeral brought together mourners from both the city and the suburbs and his death has been cited in community discussions about violence and the need for intervention. If anyone has information about the shooting or Elijah’s last movements, please share what is known with authorities.