9-Year-Old Chicago Boy Fatally Shot Blocks From Home

The family of 9-year-old Antonio Smith is searching for answers after the child was shot down last Wednesday, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Suggested Reading ‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts The Best,…

The family of 9-year-old Antonio Smith is searching for answers after the child was shot down last Wednesday, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

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Antonio became upset after he called his mother to ask for a snack and she told him no, according to the Sun-Times. Afterward, he left his house, followed closely by his 12-year-old brother. His brother, however, was not wearing shoes and quickly lost sight of him.

Shortly thereafter, Antonio was found in the backyard of a home in Chicagoโ€™s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. He had been shot multiple times roughly two blocks from his home.

โ€œI just want whoever did it to turn themselves in because he was a 9-year-old innocent baby and he didnโ€™t deserve that,โ€ Rasheda Eggleston, Antonioโ€™s cousin, told NBC Chicago.

Antonio was found in the backyard of Cynthia Smith-Thigpen, who was not aware of the shooting until police came to her home. โ€œItโ€™s frightening to know that these things are happening around your house,โ€ Smith-Thigpen told the Sun-Times.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, priest of St. Sabina Parish, says a $5,000 award will be offered in return for information about Antonioโ€™s death. Antonioโ€™s slaying โ€œcanโ€™t be tolerated. Especially a 9-year-old child. Itโ€™s just ridiculous,โ€ Pfleger said.

Read more at the Chicago Sun-Times.

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