On January 22, 2024, 18-year-old Maurice Clay, Jr. of Chicago was shot dead on the South Side in the 9400 block of South Throop Street. Police say the shooting occurred just after 5 p.m. when at least one person approached two men near the sidewalk and opened fire. Maurice Clay, Jr. was struck at least 15 times in the head, neck, and leg and was taken to Christ Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His 27-year-old brother was also shot in the foot and treated at LCM Hospital in good condition.

Family described Maurice as a star year-round athlete and outstanding scholar at Longwood High School who planned to play in the NFL and was months from graduating. His mother, Theresa Maiz, organized a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and the community has rallied around the family. Area detectives are investigating and no one is in custody. If anyone has information about the shooting, please come forward.