Kimoni Franks, 16, of Kankakee, Illinois, was found shot on a city sidewalk and died on July 11, 2023. Born November 10, 2006, he had just finished his sophomore year at Kankakee High School and was a member of Pentecostal Power House Church. His parents are Sagondra Brookshaw and Kim Franks Sr.

An 18-year-old Kankakee resident, Syncere L. Prince, was initially accused and charged with murder in connection with Kimoni’s death. At a preliminary hearing the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office dropped the murder charge after new evidence from the State Police Crime Lab; Prince still faces weapons and drug charges and had bond reduced from $2 million to $250,000. The community has set up tributes and memorials for Kimoni, and his death is listed by the National Gun Violence Memorial as part of broader gun violence statistics.

If anyone knew Kimoni, saw him on July 11, 2023, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.