Suspect Arrested in Evanston Teen's Death

14-year-old boy shot and killed Saturday

Evanston Police said Thursday they have a person of interest in custody in the weekend shooting death of a 14-year-old Evanston boy.

Officials' investigation continues as the community mourns the death. Dajae Coleman, a freshman at Evanston Township High School, was shot to death around 10:30 p.m. Saturday in the 1500 block of Church Street.

Friends said Coleman was at a party that had been broken up because gang tensions were running high. As Coleman walked out with a couple of friends, someone pulled up and opened fire on the teens.

Coleman was shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Police said they worked with the assistance of the North Regional Major Crime Task Force as the investigation continues and the person of interest is questioned.

Coleman's friends and family said he was a gifted athlete and an honors student in middle school.

“He was a marvelous kid, excellent kid, would have been an excellent  football player … whatever he set his mind to,” said James Cox, Coleman’s grandfather.

A fundraiser in Coleman's memory has been scheduled for 9 p.m. Thursday at Cafe Sunset, 5726 N. Western Ave., in Chicago. All proceeds from the event will go to his mother to help pay for expenses.
 

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