Arshell Edward Dennis III was 19 when he was shot and killed on August 14, 2016, in Chicago’s Wrightwood neighborhood. A student of journalism at St. John’s University in New York City, he had returned to Chicago to surprise his sick mother for her birthday. On the night of the shooting Arshell, known as Trey, was sitting on his family’s porch with a friend when an unknown assailant approached and opened fire. Arshell was struck in the chest and died shortly after being taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital.

Investigators later described the shooting as a case of mistaken identity; the gunman reportedly believed Arshell and his companion were members of a rival gang. Arshell’s father, Arshell Chico Dennis, a long-time Chicago Police Department officer, was publicly identified as devastated by the loss. The killing underlines the impact of gun violence on families and neighborhoods.

If anyone knew Arshell, his movements that day, or saw activity near the Wrightwood home on August 14, 2016, please share what can help the investigation.