Demario Bailey was 15 when he was shot and killed on December 13, 2014, in Chicago. He and his identical twin brother, Demacio, were walking to basketball practice under a viaduct on West 63rd Street when a group of robbers demanded Demario’s recently purchased Columbia winter jacket. Demario refused, his brother fought back, and Demario was shot in the chest and died shortly after; the shooting came days before his 16th birthday.

Investigators arrested several teenagers in connection with the case. The attackers were identified as Tarik Brakes, Deafro Brakes, and Carlos Johnson; Tarik was identified as the gunman. Separate juries convicted the three on charges including murder, robbery, and attempted robbery. Tarik Brakes received a 45-year prison sentence, Deafro Brakes 31 years, and Carlos Johnson 37 years. A fourth participant, Isiah Penn, testified against co-defendants in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Demario’s mother, Delores Bailey Fitzpatrick, spoke about her grief. The case drew attention to gun violence’s impact on families and communities and to the twins’ bond, with Demario’s last act described as protective.