A tragic shooting took the life of 12-year-old Dalilah Batey inside a home in Calumet Heights on Sunday night. Police are questioning several people about the incident.
What Happened?
Around 8:30 p.m., Dalilah was inside a bedroom with a male when she was shot in the head. The home is located on the 9200 block of South Harper Avenue. Police and medical reports confirm that she was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:19 p.m. An autopsy later determined that she died from a gunshot wound to the face, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Community Mourns Dalilah
On Monday night, family and friends gathered in Auburn Gresham to honor Dalilah’s memory. Over 100 people attended, holding balloons in white, blue, and black. They placed candles and a stuffed horse with the word “love” stitched on its side near her photos. Her mother, Ciara Batey, and her aunt, Jasmine Batey, were heartbroken, with Jasmine saying, “They took my baby. She was so happy.” The crowd released balloons while shouting, “We love you, Dalilah.”
Evidence and Police Investigation
A police report stated that several people were inside the home during the shooting. One person reported hearing a single gunshot and saw a male leaving the bedroom soon after. Officers discovered one shell casing and a bloody jacket in the bedroom. Additionally, two guns were found in the backyard. On Monday morning, police officers were seen talking to a woman sitting in a vehicle near the house.
Neighbor’s Account
Fisher Hughes Jr., a 67-year-old neighbor, woke up shortly after the shooting and saw police arresting a young man, around 19 years old, who lived next door. Hughes mentioned that the young man and his mother moved into the house two years ago. He often saw the man riding a scooter around the block, always dressed in black, and hanging out with a group of males who frequently visited the home.
Hughes and other neighbors have noticed criminal activity in the area, including a robbery three weeks ago. In that incident, a frightened young woman knocked on Hughes’ door for help, and he called 911 for her. Hughes, who has lived there for five years, said he is concerned about the violence but has no plans to move.
Ongoing Investigation
So far, no arrests or charges have been announced in Dalilah’s case. Area 2 detectives continue to investigate the tragic shooting.
