Loop shooting: New details arise after 2 CPS students killed in 'senseless act of violence'

CHICAGO - Two students were killed in a shooting as they exited their high school in The Loop on Friday. It unfolded at lunchtime on a busy Jewelers Row – stunning those who live and work in the area.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victims as 16-year-old Robert Boston and 17-year-old Monterio Williams.

"First of all, I’d like to start off by offering our condolences on behalf of Supt. Snelling and the entire Chicago Police Department to the two families that were touched by this senseless act of violence today," said Deputy Chief Jon Hein of CPD.  

Around 12:25 p.m., police say a group of about six students were leaving Innovations High School when they were met by a barrage of gunfire. Sadly, two of those students never made it home.

Innovations High School is a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS).

According to police, the classmates were exiting the building near Madison Street and Wabash Avenue when a dark sedan and an SUV pulled up.

"A group of individuals exited said vehicles, fired multiple times striking two of the teenage students," said Hein.

A local jeweler tells FOX 32 Chicago off-camera that the gunfire was so loud and continuous, it almost sounded like a building was falling.

Meanwhile, a local delivery worker shared what he saw in the minutes that followed the shooting.

"As I got to the corner of Randolph, I saw a couple of cop cars stop in front of the Walgreens there, I seen police officers running in," said Adrian Candelario. "Seen fire department personnel on top of one young man near the elevator shaft performing CPR. It appeared to be a pretty chaotic scene."

Meanwhile, the offenders took off heading southbound on Wabash Avenue, according to police.

"Zone says the offender might be heading toward the Red Line from there. Male, Black, in a black hoodie, with white Michael Kors lettering on it," a dispatcher said over the scanner.

The two teens were transported to Northwestern Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries, police said.

Dozens of evidence markers could be seen in the street and on the sidewalk as police investigated.

Bullet holes next to a CTA elevator are a tragic reminder of the terrifying incident.

"At this time, we believe it was an isolated incident," Hein said.

During the shooting, a female bystander’s jacket was grazed by a bullet. According to Hein, she was being interviewed by detectives about the events.

According to the school's website, students were in standardized testing this week and next. Innovations High School is located at 17 N. State Street.  

FOX 32 Chicago reached out to school administrators for a statement but did not immediately hear back.

No one is in custody at this time.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact CPD detectives. Tips can also be submitted online by clicking HERE.  

Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement on Friday afternoon:

"Today, outside of Innovations High School, two students were tragically shot as classes were starting to dismiss for the weekend. I extend my deepest condolences to their families and the Innovations High School community as they grapple with unimaginable pain and trauma caused by this senseless act of violence.

"The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating and the Mayor's Office of Community Safety has activated its victim services support teams to aid victims' families and fellow students.

"My prayers and those of my entire administration are with everyone impacted during this difficult time."