Omar Mendez was 16 when he was fatally shot on April 14, 2011, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago.

His death was one of many that year as Chicago recorded over 430 homicides in 2011, a period characterized by high levels of gun violence in neighborhoods like Humboldt Park. The account links that violence to gang conflicts and systemic problems such as poverty and lack of economic opportunity, noting the impact on families and the community and the calls for stronger prevention and intervention efforts.

If anyone knew Omar or has information about the April 14, 2011 shooting, please share what you know with investigators or community groups working on cold cases.