19-year-old rideshare passenger shot and killed on Near West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police on Monday were investigating the deadly shooting of a rideshare passenger in Little Italy the day before.
As CBS 2's Tara Molina reported, the mother of the teen who was killed was involved with the anti-violence organization Project HOOD. The organization called the shooting on Sunday a senseless act of violence.
An ugly image tells the story. Bullet holes covered the rear passenger window of the rideshare car outside Rush University Medical Center Sunday night.
The hospital was where a rideshare driver rushed their 19-year-old passenger, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's office as Jeleal Goins.
Goins was sitting in the car in the 1300 block of West Taylor Street in Little Italy, when, just before 9 p.m., police said a man approached the car, pulled out a gun, and fired those shots before running away.
The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police said the suspect ran from the scene on foot.
Goins' mother is the executive assistant of Project HOOD. His brother is the youth manager for the organization.
Leader Pastor Corey Brooks, of New Beginnings Baptist Church, said the family doesn't want to speak out right now and didn't want him speaking on their behalf. But Brooks said Project Hood will honor the memory of their colleague's son by intensifying their efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"Today, we are not just an organization; we are a family mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon," Pastor Brooks said in a news release. "Our hearts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with our colleague and her family during this unimaginably challenging time."
The release said the organization's mission to end violence and uplift communities "feels more personal and urgent than ever."
"We will honor the memory of our colleague's son by intensifying our efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future," Brooks said in the release "Our faith is shaken, but not broken. We will rely on each other and our community for strength in the coming days, buoyed by our shared conviction that we can, and must, do better."
Project HOOD said it has set up a support fund for Goins' family, and contributions can be made through the organization's website.
"May we find solace in our collective efforts, seek justice for our lost ones, and strive daily to create a world where no parent faces the pain our colleague endures now. In our hearts, our work, and our mission, his memory will forever remain," Pastor Brook said in the release.
We have confirmed the driver was driving for Lyft at the time of the shooting. Lyft said in a statement: "Our hearts are with the victim's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We will be reaching out to offer our support to all parties impacted, and stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation."
Meanwhile, the Independent Drivers Guild of Illinois said in a statement:
"This was a terrifying and tragic incident and our hearts go out to all involved. Many people don't realize the risks Uber and Lyft drivers face each day, never knowing what their next trip may bring. At the Drivers Guild, we established a support network, where FHV drivers can come together to discuss the very real challenges we face. Uber & Lyft Drivers are encouraged to reach out to us at DriversGuild.org to connect with others who can relate."
No arrests have been made.
