Chicago shooting: Jai'mani Amir Rivera, shot dead at Oakley Square apartments on West Jackson Boulevard on the Near West Side, remembered

CHICAGO (WLS) — The 7-year-old boy shot dead Tuesday afternoon on Chicago's Near West Side is described as a joy in his community.

Jai'mani Amir Rivera, who was hit by a stray bullet, was an elementary school student who loved Spider-Man and video games, his family said Wednesday.

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Rivera's aunt spoke through tears.

She said her nephew was an only child and their family was forever changed.

Chicago police are committed to finding the shooter and bringing justice quickly.

“He was about to start soccer in August with all the boys. And all he talked about was soccer,” said Rivera's aunt, Daniella.

Family members shared their grief Wednesday over an unimaginable loss.

Rivera had left his home to bring something to his grandmother when he was hit by gunfire from a distance.

His aunt said he was playing a video game before leaving.

“He told his father-in-law, 'Don't touch the game, I'll be right back. Please don't touch my game.' And he never came back,” Daniella said.

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CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling said officers responded to a call about shots fired at the Oakley Square Apartments, a gated complex, in the 2300 block of West Jackson Boulevard around 3 p.m. When they arrived, they found the boy with a gunshot wound to his chest.

Snelling said officers immediately applied pressure to the wound to try to slow the bleeding and transported the boy to Stroger Hospital in the back of their squad car. Despite life-saving measures, the boy died in hospital.

“Justice must be done for Jai'mani. Anyone who holds his child in his arms, without making him responsible, you have killed a 7 year old baby. You have destroyed an entire family,” said Saleshea Peterson, who is fighting against armed violence. prevention group Kiss a child, make a change.

Peterson said residents of the Oakley Square apartments were scared.

They say the shootings have been out of control for years, especially in recent weeks.

“It's not safe for these people. Something has to be done,” Peterson said.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said he won't stop until justice is served in the case.

He said it appears the shooting was random and does not believe Rivera was the intended target.

Snelling expressed his outrage Tuesday, alongside the mayor.

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“We will hold individuals accountable for the crimes, torment and torture they have caused to this city,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Neighbors who live near the scene are planning a balloon release later Wednesday afternoon.

And on Friday, at 1 p.m., there will be a peace march in Rivera's honor.

This will stop at Jackson Boulevard and Western Avenue.

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