Neighbors are rallying to help the family of 7-year-old Akeem Briscoe, who was killed Wednesday when someone opened fire in an alley and sent a stray bullet into his home in Humboldt Park.
Akeem was washing his hands for dinner in his family’s home in the 2600 block of West Potomac Avenue around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday when a bullet pierced through the bathroom window and hit the boy in his stomach, police and family said.
He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he later died, authorities said.
Neighbors launched an online fundraiser Thursday to support Akeem’s family. The money will go toward funeral expenses and other unexpected costs, according to the fundraiser. A GoFundMe representative confirmed a neighbor set up the fundraiser and Akeem’s uncle, Terribia Misters, will receive the money on behalf of the family.
The fundraiser had raised more than $5,500 toward its $25,000 goal as of Friday afternoon.
“Our neighbor, Akeem Briscoe, tragically lost his life on October 26th to gun violence. He was 7 years old,” the fundraiser reads. “Akeem loved to play with other kids in the neighborhood, as well as trying new things. He loved his dog, Angel. He was so excited to go to school today and go on a field trip.”
Akeem’s grief-stricken family, along with the city’s top officials, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Supt. David Brown, are pleading with the public to help police solve Akeem’s killing.
Anyone with information about the shooting should call the police anonymous tip line at 833-408-0069 or submit an anonymous tip online, officials said.
Akeem was killed just a few days after the funeral for his father, who died this month after heart surgery, Misters said. He was an affable kid who was looking forward to going on a school field trip Thursday, Misters said.
At least 12 children 13 and younger have been killed in Chicago this year, the Sun-Times reported, citing the paper’s data.
Donations to Akeem’s family can be made at https://tinyurl.com/25473e9z
CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com
