South Central Reporter

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) has grown outraged with all of the senseless violence in Chicago.

“Unacceptable,” Wilhour said of a recent weekend where at least 61 people were shot over one weekend, including a 3-year-old boy who was fatally struck by a bullet intended for someone else.

The same tragic fate befell a 13-year-old girl. In another instance, two teens were gunned down in the same incident, with police now insisting the suspect opened fire on the defenseless youths after they simply asked him how tall he was.

“So sad,” Wilhour added. “Toddlers and teenagers being struck with stray bullets. Chicago is literally a war zone. Pray for these families and the people trapped in these situations.”

The 3-year-old has been identified as Mekhi James, who was hit in the back by a bullet police said was aimed for his father. Hours after that, 13-year-old Amaria Jones was hit when a stray bullet ricochet through her home on North Leclaire Avenue.

In the double-shooting in the South Shore neighborhood, Jasean Francis, 17, and Charles Riley, 16, died in a hail of bullets where police have charged Laroy Battle.

Deputy Chief of Detectives Braedan Deenihan said none of the victims knew each other and Battle allegedly opened fire after the teens asked him how tall he was.

Battle now faces two counts of first-degree murder and has been ordered held without bond. Police said he has a previous conviction for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, for which he received probation.

In Wilhour’s mind, all the mayhem and dysfunction leads back to the same place.

“Chicago and Illinois are in desperate need of real leaders that are committed to bring real opportunity to these communities,” he said. “Innocent people are dying.”