Skokie Teen Killed, Another Hurt In Shooting

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Niles North high school student is dead, and young woman was injured after a shooting overnight in north suburban Skokie.

The medical examiner said Maxwell Gadau, 17, of Skokie, was fatally shot in the back while standing by a car in the 9200 block of Kedvale. His death has been ruled a homicide.

A 17-year-old girl was wounded in the shooting, which happened around 9:40 p.m.

Gadau was pronounced dead at Evanston Hospital at 10:19 p.m., the medical examiner's office said. The young woman is listed in critical condition.

Both were Skokie residents and students at Niles North High School, police said.

CBS 2's Marissa Bailey talked with Max's parents who say their only son was looking out for a friend - when a single bullet killed the 17-year-old.

Patti and Peter Gadau got a text from their son just 10 minutes before police say he was shot and killed.

"He was at a house with four or five people," Patti said. "Apparently one of the girls that were there had um asked Max to come outside with her to meet some people.

"She was scared, she wanted somebody to come with her and my son volunteered to you know help her, protect her," Peter said.

Max's mother says, "It was thought to be drugs, but could also be money."

Friends stopped by the Gadau's throughout the day, bringing flowers and mourning a classmate.

"We sat in classes together, laughing and making jokes. It's hard to believe," said Danilo Ranger, a friend of Max's.

"This is heartbreaking and tragic news," said Niles North Principal Ryan McTague. "Nothing prepares us for the loss of a student, and our entire school community is impacted and saddened by this tragic event.

"We are working with the Skokie Police Department, and they emphasize that the shooting was not a random act and that there is no risk to the general public," McTague said. "We are safe here in our school. Our top priority is the safety of our students and of our staff. We will continue to do everything within our power to make sure that Niles North is a safe and secure place to teach and to learn."

Counselors were available at the school Monday to help students and faculty.

According to police, the shooting was not believed to be a random act. So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.