Person Of Interest Questioned In Evanston Teen's Shooting Death
EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) – A "person of interest" is being questioned in connection with the weekend shooting death of Evanston teen Dajae Coleman, police announced Thursday.
"The investigation still continues to progress forward and no further information is being released at this time," the Evanston Police Department said in a news release said.
Dajae, 14, was found around 10:30 p.m. Saturday in 1500 block of Church Street. Witnesses said he was walking with friends when he was shot.
Dajae was a freshman at Evanston Township High School. He has been remembered as an accomplished basketball player, a participant in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment program and a good student.
Dajae's family say they are glad the investigation is progressing, but it won't stop them from hurting.
"I'll have this pain for the rest of my life," the youth's grandfather, Michael Rice, tells CBS 2's Courtney Gousman. "He was that special of a kid, and he meant that much to me."
No charges have been filed.
Friends and family members say they cannot understand how Dajae could have been targeted in the shooting. The killing has sent shockwaves throughout his school.
A fund has been set up to help defray funeral costs for the victim's family:
Dajae Coleman Memorial Fund
Evanston Township High School
1600 Dodge Avenue
60201