'48 Hours' Puts Spotlight On 'The War In Chicago'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's street violence will be getting more national attention this weekend.

CBS News' '48 Hours' will air "The War In Chicago" on Saturday at 9 p.m.--the result of a six-month investigation into the gang and drug wars blistering the city's South and West Sides.

The suburbs are also part of the series. Based on the promotional trailer, the program will also examine the problem of heroin addiction, especially among suburban teens.

The show also will focus on the death of Hadiya Pendleton, an honor student who was shot dead in a Kenwood neighborhood park just a few days after marching with her high school's band at President Obama's inauguration.

While seeking shelter from the rain, Pendleton's group of friends was mistakenly targeted by gang members.

The '48 Hours' broadcast comes following news that Robert Redford is behind an eight-part series about the city, called "Chicagoland."

In a statement, Redford said the series will explore the city's "profound daily challenges"--presumably including the city's problem with gangs and restructuring the city's public education system.

While the number of homicides is down compared to last year, Mayor Emanuel and his police Supt. Garry McCarthy are on a weekly basis defending the city's response to gang warfare.