Ill. Father Shot and Killed While Leaving High School Basketball Tournament with His Son

"It's not the kids that go to the school. It's always outside," local activist Stringer Harris said of the gun violence

An Illinois father was shot and killed while leaving a school basketball game with his son over the weekend. 

Country Club Hills Police Department confirmed the fatal incident via a press release shared on Facebook on Sunday morning, Nov. 10. According to the department, the shooting, which is being investigated as a homicide, happened on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The identity of the victim has not yet been publicly released. 

In the press release, CCHPD stated that “multiple armed offenders” were “laying in wait at the back of the high school parking lot” in a black Infinity Q50 during the basketball tournament. The offenders then observed the victim leaving the game with his juvenile son, and after making their way to them, “blocked the victim's path to his vehicle.” 

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The offenders then drew their weapons and began to open fire on the victim, police said.

Officers responded at approximately 1:09 p.m., however, the assailants had fled the scene. The father was transported to a local hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries. 

The victim’s son was not physically harmed during the incident.

ABC 7 Chicago reported that the Prairie Hills Junior High boys basketball team had been competing at a tournament at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills at the time of the incident. 

"A kid had a great game... he's feeling good about himself and now turn that happiness and joy upside down to be at the hospital around family," local activist Stringer Harris told the news station on Saturday.

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"It's sad... not only is this my former high school... I mentor here every week," he continued. "I'm here at this school to teach about gun violence, and to see this happen here on this campus once again is sad."

Harris added that some students expressed to him that they wanted to transfer out of Prairie Hills Junior High because of the violence.

“I'm telling them it's not a good idea. It's not the school that's the problem. It's not the kids that go to the school,” Harris said. It's always outside."

Bremen High School District 228 offered its condolences over the weekend.

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“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of a tragic incident that occurred in the back parking lot of Hillcrest High School on Saturday, November 9th. During a junior high boys' basketball tournament held that afternoon, a parent attending the game from a neighboring community became a victim of gun violence,” a post shared to the school district's official site began.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event,” the district added, noting that counselors were available for students or any other community members who may be in need. 

Anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting is asked to call the Country Club Hills Police Department at 708-798-3191 or the SWORN tip line 708-206-2899.