On the evening of February 12, 2014, 14-year-old Venzel Richardson, a freshman at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, was shot while walking with friends after leaving a convenience store near 61st Street and King Drive in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. A white minivan approached as they walked south on Vernon Avenue, a passenger-side door opened and an occupant fired multiple shots. Venzel was struck four times, including a fatal wound to the back of his head. He collapsed in a nearby gangway and was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m.

Investigators identified 17-year-old Ahbir Sardin, known as D.Rose, as a suspect; witnesses later identified Sardin from a photo array and he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder about six weeks after the shooting. Venzel’s family maintained he was not involved in gang activity and described him as a dedicated student and mentor who participated in programs such as the Mikva Challenge.