Scene where Devonshay Lofton was shot / Photo from NVP News Video
BY MICHAEL LANSU
Homicide Watch Chicago Editor
A 16-year-old member of the internationally known Jesse White Tumbling Team was shot to death Thursday night in the Old Town neighborhood.
Devonshay Lofton was in the 1300 block of North Cleveland Avenue when a gunman on a bicycle opened fire about 9:20 p.m. Thursday, authorities said.
Devonshay, of the 1300 block of North Hudson Avenue, was hit and later died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Secretary of State Jesse White, who founded the tumbling team, said the Lincoln Park High School student had been a member of the squad for about five years.
“He was a nice young man,” White said. “He was a gentleman in every way. He was well liked and highly respected.”
Devonshay “loved tumbling” and had performed at events throughout the Chicago area, White said.
“When his name would not appear … indicating his turn for an appearance, he would always call me. I would tell him, ‘Next time I’ll put your name on the list so you will get a chance to use your skills in a manner where you can always be proud,’” White said.
“It’s a sad day for us,” he added.
Devonshay had not performed since July 4.
Devonshay was walking his girlfriend home when he was shot, family friend Carlisle Lopez told DNAinfo Chicago.
After the shooting, a police officer responding to the scene was injured when his gun discharged as he exited a vehicle, police said. The officer suffered a gunshot wound to the foot and was in good condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Nobody has been charged for the murder.
Area North detectives are investigating.
— Contributing: Sun-Times Media Wire