CPD investigating after boy found shot to death on South Side

CHICAGO (WGN) – A homicide investigation is underway after a victim, believed to be a child, was found dead in the city’s Washington Park neighborhood.

Chicago police officers responded to the 6000 block of South Prairie Avenue just before 8 a.m. Wednesday and found the victim with a gunshot wound to his chest.

The boy, who police sources say is believed to be between 11 and 14 years old, was found in the backyard of a home. It isn’t clear what time the shooting may have occurred.

Investigators could be seen gathering potential evidence and canvassing an area by an alleyway, just steps from an elevated train track behind a home on S. Prairie Ave.

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim had not yet been identified as of Wednesday afternoon.

A woman who was visiting family nearby said she was outside as investigators were on scene. She told WGN-TV the boy appeared “young and small” but that she did not recognize him. She said her heart was breaking and she hoped someone would come forward to identify him.

Area One Detectives are investigating the case and say no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call 312-747-8380. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at CPDTip.com or by calling Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-7867.