Justin Mercado was 19 when he was killed on September 19, 2014, in Chicago’s Belmont-Cragin neighborhood. According to reports, he was involved in an exchange of gunfire with a 17-year-old boy; Justin suffered a single gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. The 17-year-old was also shot multiple times in the legs.

Residents of the neighborhood had been reporting more frequent gunfire and a growing gang presence at the time; this shooting was described as one of several violent incidents in the area. No immediate arrests or suspects were announced and the investigation remained ongoing.

If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Justin, please come forward with what was seen or heard that night.