Teen boy killed, girl hurt in bus stop shooting near YMCA on Chicago’s South Side, police say

Teen boy killed, girl hurt in bus stop shooting near YMCA on Chicago’s South Side, police say

A teenage boy was killed and a teenage girl is hospitalized after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at a bus stop on Chicago’s South Side near a YMCA facility, authorities said.

CHICAGO - A teenage boy was killed and a teenage girl is hospitalized after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at a bus stop on Chicago’s South Side near a YMCA facility, authorities said.

What we know:

The shooting occurred just before 3:30 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago police said.

A 16-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were standing at a bus stop when someone approached, pulled out a gun and fired, according to police.

The boy was shot multiple times and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. He later died of his injuries, police said. On Thursday morning, the Cook County medical examiner's office identified him as Eric Billups, of Chicago.

The girl was shot in the left leg and taken to the same hospital in fair condition.

What they're saying:

Witnesses at the scene described a growing sense of fear and frustration in the community.

One person said it feels like young people aren’t getting the chance to live their lives, calling the violence "overwhelming and heartbreaking."

A nearby business owner, who did not want to be identified, said responsibility starts at home, adding that stronger parenting could help keep kids away from dangerous situations.

Rynell Morgan, assistant director of a South Side youth football program, said they constantly encourage kids to stay respectful, aware of their surroundings and to remove themselves from trouble when possible, noting how difficult it is for youth growing up around violence.

What we don't know:

Police have not said whether anyone is in custody. The boy who was killed has not been identified.

What they're saying:

Principal of Hyde Park Academy High School Rosette Edinburg has issued a statement on the shooting and confirmed it involved members of the school community. 

"Dear Hyde Park Parents and Guardians,

"Safety continues to be my top priority, which is why I am writing to notify you of a situation impacting our school. This afternoon, while dismissal was taking place, we received a report that shots had been fired near our school building. We promptly brought students and staff members in the vicinity of the school back into the building and placed our school on a soft lockdown. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and CPS Office of Safety and Security were notified, and CPD gave us the all-clear to lift the soft lockdown once they determined that it was safe to do so. I am very sorry to share that we have learned that some members of our school community were impacted by this incident. For privacy reasons, I cannot share additional details at this time.

"In response to this news, we will be working with the CPS Crisis Management Unit to provide support to students and staff members. Our own school-based mental health professionals will also be available for students who need ongoing services. If your child voices any fears, concerns, or social-emotional needs to you, please let us know so we can ensure their needs are met. We are extremely saddened by this incident and will do everything we can to help our school community heal.

"Sincerely, Principal Edinburg"

What's next:

This is a developing story and we'll bring more updates as they become available.