Family mourns 18-year-old killed in West Side shooting while waiting for ride home

18-year-old Kaleb Williams was one of two teens shot just after 4:30 a.m. Sunday in the 5000 block of West Maypole Avenue.

The incident was one of three shootings within hours of each other in the Austin neighborhood. Police have not yet confirmed that any of the shootings were related or stemmed from a “teen takeover.”

“I am still processing it. It hasn’t hit all the way. I miss my baby. I miss my baby. He was taken away from me,” Nikita Campbell said.

Police say a verbal altercation between Williams, another 18-year-old and two unknown offenders who approached them in a vehicle turned physical, then the two offenders in the vehicle produced their guns and shot at the 18-year-olds.

Williams was shot twice in the back and taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“You get that middle of the night phone call and you don’t wanna hear that news,” Nikita Campbell said.

Williams’ parents say he had been with friends in the city and was waiting on an Uber home to south suburban University Park when the shooting occurred.

They say their son loved sports, had a passion for music and was planning to join the Army Reserves when he graduated high school. He had one semester left at Crete-Monee High School.

“It’s heartbreaking right now, but as we band together and everyone comes together, family is everything. We stick together,” Jeonnie Campbell said.

Police say a person of interest is in custody for their role in the shooting and charges are pending.