Lamar Johnson II, 10, was shot and killed in Peoria, Illinois. The horrific event shocked the neighborhood, leaving friends, family and neighbors distraught as they try to come to terms with the senseless loss of a young boy whose life was cut short. On Sunday, September 29, 2024, in the evening hours, Lamar, an innocent young man with a promising future, was shot dead in the chest in what authorities are now investigating as an ongoing violent crime with no clear suspect. . The city is grieving the loss of a child taken from them too soon, and the case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence that plagues communities across the country. The residents are left wanting answers and looking for justice.
The specifics of the shooting provide a disturbing portrait of the senseless and vicious violence that has all too often become the norm in big cities like Peoria. Peoria Police were notified of a shooting in the 600 block of W. RB Garrett Avenue at 7:36 p.m. via a ShotSpotter alert. When the police arrived, they found a 10-year-old boy who had been shot in the chest and was lying dead. The boy, later identified as Lamar T. Johnson II, was taken to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, was pronounced dead not long after they arrived. Lamar was shot once in the chest, causing fatal injuries, and his death was almost instantaneous, according to the Peoria County coroner's office.
A Grieving Community: The Death Agony of Lamar Johnson II
The death of Lamar Johnson II devastated the entire community. Lamar spent the weekend in Peoria with his family, but he was a resident of Springfield, Illinois, living in the 400 block of South Grand Avenue. Lamar was another small victim of the rising gun violence that is taking the lives of innocent young people in American cities. What was meant to be a daily visit turned into an unimaginable tragedy. His family is unable to cope with the unexpected loss of their beloved son and is overwhelmed with shock and grief.
Lamar was known for his infectious smile and upbeat demeanor, and many who knew him described him as a kind, humorous and enthusiastic young man. His curiosity about the world around him was only heightened by his love for his family and friends. He was the kind of kid who could light up any room with his presence. Lamar was a voracious learner who had just entered fifth grade, a time in his life that should have been filled with hope for the future and the endless opportunities that awaited him. His life holds a multitude of opportunities; Those who knew him speak of his brilliance, his good humor and his passion for sports, especially basketball, which he played with a group of young people from the Springfield neighborhood.
