On January 26, 2024, two students were fatally shot outside Innovations High School in the Loop. Six students, including 16-year-old Robert Boston and 17-year-old Monterio Williams, were exiting the school near Washington Street and Wabash Avenue when a dark-colored sedan and an SUV pulled up and masked individuals opened fire. Boston was struck in the chest; Williams was shot in the right hip and chest. Both were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and later died, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified them as residents of the Near West Side.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene with multiple shots fired; a delivery worker and a woman whose jacket was grazed by a bullet, identified as Berenice Vargas, were among those interviewed. The Chicago Police Department is reviewing surveillance and CTA camera footage; no arrests have been announced. The Mayor’s Office mobilized victim services and officials called for more resources to address gun violence in the area.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information that could help investigators, please contact the Chicago Police Department.