Venzel Richardson / Photo from Facebook
BY SAM CHARLES
Sun-Times Media
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder for allegedly fatally shooting 14-year-old Venzel Richardson in February in Woodlawn.
Richardson was walking with several other males in the 6100 block of South Vernon Avenue when a van drove past and the gunman opened fire about 8:20 p.m. Feb. 12, authorities said. The gunman fled in the van after the shooting, police said.
Detectives believe the shooting was gang related, police said.
Richardson, of the 6400 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died at the scene, authorities said.
Venzel was part of the Mikva Challenge, said Executive Director Brian Brady. The Mikva Challenge is a program that encourages high school students “to be active participants in the political process through elections, community problem solving and policy-making programs,” according to the Mikva website.
Jelani McEwen-Torrence, Venzel’s Mikva Challenge mentor for two years, said he was overwhelmed with grief when he received word of Venzel’s death. Venzel would walk his nephews home every day after school before returning to take part in the program, McEwen-Torrence said.
“These children live in extreme environments,” McEwen-Torrence said. “You can’t categorize them by who they may be affiliated with. I want him to be remembered in a holistic way. He was a caring and courteous person.”
The 17-year-old was charged with first-degree murder Sunday and is expected in bond court Monday, according to police, who were not releasing the alleged shooter’s name because he is a juvenile.
— Contributing: Will Hager