Lavon McNeil, 19, was shot and killed in Chicago on March 16, 2007. The killing occurred amid a broader surge of violence in the city that year, concentrated in neighborhoods coping with gang activity, poverty, and the ready availability of illegal firearms.

Those systemic problems were cited as contributing factors to the high homicide rate among young men of color in Chicago during the 2000s. Community leaders and law enforcement were described as working on initiatives to reduce gun violence, and Lavon’s death was noted as part of the troubling statistics underscoring the need for social services, youth investment, and efforts to restrict illegal guns.

If anyone knew Lavon or has information about the shooting on March 16, 2007, please share what you remember.