Teen Charged in Connection with Shooting Death of 7-Year-Old on Near West Side

CHICAGO, IL – In a heartbreaking development, 16-year-old Raysean Comer has been detained and charged as an adult in connection with the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Jai’mani Amir Rivera on the Near West Side. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Oakley Square Apartments complex on West Jackson Boulevard.

Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Anne McCord Rogers provided an account of the events leading up to the shooting. Jai’mani Rivera, a resident of the Oakley Square Apartments, was asked by his mother to deliver a cooking pot to a neighbor in a nearby building. Surveillance footage captured Jai’mani leaving his building with the pot at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Tragically, the footage later showed Jai’mani returning with a bloodstain on his shirt. He collapsed in the lobby, where a witness attempted to assist him. Despite being rushed to Stroger Hospital by police, Jai’mani succumbed to his injuries.

A 911 caller reported hearing gunshots and observed a teenage boy with a rifle firing towards the apartments before fleeing the scene. This crucial information led police to Raysean Comer, who was found a few blocks away from the crime scene. Shell casings recovered from the area near a high school across from the apartments provided further evidence linking Comer to the shooting.

The tragic death of Jai’mani Amir Rivera has left the community in shock and mourning. The loss of such a young life to gun violence has sparked renewed calls for action to address safety and violence in neighborhoods across Chicago.

Raysean Comer now faces serious charges as an adult, reflecting the severity of the crime. The community awaits further developments as the legal process unfolds, hoping for justice for Jai’mani and his grieving family.

This devastating incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of children and families in all communities. Authorities and community leaders are encouraged to collaborate on strategies that address the root causes of violence and provide support for affected families.

For those with any additional information regarding this incident, please contact the Chicago Police Department. Your assistance can be vital in bringing justice and preventing further tragedies.

The city of Chicago stands united in grief over the senseless loss of Jai’mani Amir Rivera, and efforts to create safer neighborhoods will continue in his memory.