On the night of February 25, 2023, 16-year-old Darquan T. Smith was shot in the head in an alley in the Ashburn neighborhood of Chicago and later pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center. A 36-year-old woman who was with him was shot in the leg and treated at the same hospital in good condition. The victims had been about a block from a party at a venue called A Luh Swag, described as an illegal pop-up or repass not licensed or zoned for such events.

Neighbors reported hearing dozens of gunshots; the shooting is believed to have occurred after the victims left the gathering. Area One detectives are investigating and no arrests had been announced. Community members voiced fear for local children and called for justice; the city’s 18th Ward alderman said actions would be taken against the venue’s owners or license holders.

If anyone saw or heard anything that night, can you share what you know with investigators?