Patrick Swinney, 23, was fatally shot on April 7, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois. His death occurred during a year when the city recorded a dramatic rise in violence, exceeding 500 homicides by the end of 2012.

The shooting is documented in the city’s homicide records that year, which show gun violence disproportionately affecting young people and concentrated in neighborhoods facing socio-economic strain and gang conflict. Police and community groups were engaged in efforts to curb the surge, but overall homicides increased in 2012.

Swinney’s death is one of many that illustrate the human cost behind the year’s statistics and the ongoing challenge of reducing firearm violence in Chicago communities. If anyone knew Patrick, his movements that day, or has information relevant to this case, please come forward.