Chicago teen charged in 'senseless' fatal shooting of 7-year-old boy

A Chicago teenager faces murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old boy.

Police said Friday that Jai'mani Amir Rivera had just left his apartment and was on the sidewalk when shots rang out. He was hit in the chest by a bullet fired outside the fence surrounding his apartment complex.

First responders rendered emergency aid to the boy, then rushed him to the hospital in their patrol car. Once they arrived, Rivera was pronounced dead.

On Thursday, a 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with four counts in connection with the shooting. He will face charges of first-degree murder and first-degree murder for personally discharging a firearm that caused the victim's death, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.

Police have not released the suspect's name because he is a juvenile. According to Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti, they were able to identify the suspect using video surveillance footage and an anonymous tip.

Thirteen shotgun shell casings were recovered during the investigation, but the firearm was not recovered. Police believe it was an assault rifle, according to Ursitti. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but police are certain Jai'mani was not the intended target.

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Ursitti said: “We all understand that this makes no sense and that's why it's insane – we can't give you a confirmed reason for why this happened. There is no justification or explanation that would improve things. But this is the absurdity we are talking about.

The suspect will appear at a juvenile detention hearing today.

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