Tragic Loss of a Young Life and a Mother’s Call for Justice

Ahmani Hicks fondly remembers her 14-year-old son, Marcus Chatman, as someone who always carried a smile and could make friends easily. She recalls his generous nature, sharing, “He would take the shirt off his back, the shoes off his feet and give it to them.” Marcus, known for being trusting and loving, met a tragic end on June 18 when he was shot and killed around 11:30 p.m. in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The police reported the incident took place on the 8000 block of South Carpenter.

Hicks, who was planning Marcus’s 15th birthday, has now organized a private funeral. She describes him as the family’s source of humor and joy, with him often making everyone laugh with his dancing and jokes. His football team, Midwest Hawks Youth Football, has provided strong support to Hicks and her family, delivering groceries and spending time with them after the tragedy. Since the shooting, her three other sons have been struggling to leave the house or attend football practices.

The football league expressed deep sorrow over the incident, mourning the loss of one of their own and condemning the violence. They praised Hicks for her dedication to the team and her influence on countless young athletes.

The shooting’s aftermath has been challenging for Hicks and her family as they await justice. She is eager for the police to apprehend her son’s shooter and gain closure, telling of her 7-year-old’s curiosity for updates. “Nothing will make me happy because my son is never coming back,” she remarked, “but knowing those responsible are caught would be a relief.”

Chicago police informed Hicks that video footage captured Marcus leaving an apartment building with acquaintances, who she thought were his friends. Unexpectedly, one of these friends allegedly shot Marcus twice in the back, both bullets hitting his lungs. Those at the scene reportedly fled, leaving Marcus alone in the alley.

Hicks learned more details of the incident from Marcus’s social media accounts. Within his Instagram, she discovered a group chat where his alleged friends discussed the shooting. Messages included identifying the shooter and expressing disbelief over the betrayal. While some witnesses seemed concerned, they hesitated due to the police presence.

Hicks warns other parents to be vigilant about their children’s friends, emphasizing her own misgivings about Marcus’s peer group. These so-called friends ranged in ages from 16 to 20 and did not attend school. Hicks argues against their attempts to convince Marcus to join Job Corps instead of continuing his education.

Since losing Marcus, her sons have suffered from nightmares and have avoided football, an activity they once loved. The family’s home bears constant reminders of Marcus, from photographs to social media posts. Despite these reminders, the support from the football community has been comforting. Their consistent and thoughtful gestures reinforce the love that surrounds the family.

On June 26, Marcus’s birthday, Hicks plans to hold a balloon release in his memory. His death was among several violent incidents over the holiday weekend, during which eight people were killed and 39 injured. In response, Chicago faith leaders and activists have urged the City Council and Mayor to establish a Department of Gun Violence Prevention to safeguard efforts to reduce violence.