Jamal Harris

A violent Sunday evening in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood turned tragic on February 19, 2012, when gunfire erupted outside a local liquor store, ending the life of 19-year-old Jamal Harris. An African-American male, Jamal was known by the nickname "Roc" to some. One of his schoolmates was a resident at a Christian shelter next door to the site of the shooting.

The incident unfolded at 6:56 p.m. at the Budget Food and Liquor Store, located in the 2500 block of East 79th Street. According to Chicago Police, a beige-colored vehicle pulled up and an occupant opened fire on a group of people standing near the store. Witnesses reported hearing a quick succession of shots. When paramedics arrived, they found two people deceased and five others wounded. Jamal had been shot in the chest and was found just inside the store. The second victim, 61-year-old Gregory Glinsey, known as "Alamo," was found outside. Police later stated that Mr. Glinsey, a father and grandfather who had just celebrated his mother's 80th birthday, was an innocent bystander.

The five wounded victims were all teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 16. A 14-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen and taken to Comer Children's Hospital in critical condition. The other four teens, two 13-year-olds, a 15-year-old, and a 16-year-old, were all shot in the leg and transported to Advocate Trinity Hospital and Jackson Park Medical Center, where their conditions stabilized. The manager of the liquor store, which reopened the next day, recalled one of the victims running into his store after being shot. "Young kids, they've got guns," he said. "They're shooting randomly... And then they are killing innocent people."

The shooting was part of a weekend that saw seven people killed and 18 others wounded by gunfire across Chicago. In the immediate aftermath of the attack on 79th Street, Chicago police began an investigation, stating that they were pursuing several leads. They did not believe the shooting was a random act and were exploring whether it was gang-related. An interim district commander told reporters at the scene, "We have good evidence. We’re investigating the case." Police noted that because of the number of people outside the store at the time, it was difficult to determine who the intended target might have been.

In the days following the shooting, a small memorial appeared outside the liquor store. Clara Lewis, a supervisor at the neighboring Excellent Way Church, created a display with a vase of roses and a plush toy bunny. She spoke of the fear the gunshots caused for the women and children at the shelter. Mourners also left balloons and a signed card for Gregory Glinsey. "I just pray for those that are deceased or harmed," Lewis said, "and I pray there will be a better day in our community for our people. And stop the killing."

Years later, a 2019 FBI court filing related to a gang investigation mentioned the February 2012 murder of Jamal Harris as being connected to ongoing rivalries. However, as of that report, no arrests had been publicly announced in connection with his death. The case remains unsolved, one of many that have contributed to the city's long struggle with gun violence. There is no information about a reward for tips leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of Jamal Harris and Gregory Glinsey.