Tragic Loss of Marcus Chatman Sparks Family’s Grief and Community Support

Ahmani Hicks mourns the tragic death of her 14-year-old son, Marcus Chatman, who played for a football team in the Dolton area. Marcus was known for his kind nature, always ready with a smile or a joke. “He would take the shirt off his back, the shoes off his feet and give it to them,” Hicks shared, illustrating his generous spirit. His trusting character reflected his belief that everyone shared his capacity for love.

On June 18, Marcus was shot and killed around 11:30 p.m. in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Hicks, who had been planning his 15th birthday party, now finds herself organizing a private funeral for her son. Marcus was the lively heart of their family, known for his dancing and ability to bring excitement into every room. His family cherished moments with him, often asking for him to be put on speaker to share his humor and thoughts.

Following the incident, his football team, Midwest Hawks Youth Football, rallied to support the grieving family. They brought groceries and spent time with Hicks and her three other sons as they struggled to cope with the tragedy and resumed their daily activities. The football league expressed sorrow over the “heartbreaking loss” through a post, commending Hicks for her dedication to the organization over the years.

“She has supported not only her own children, but countless young athletes throughout the Midwest Hawks organization,” the post read, highlighting Hicks’s contributions.

Hicks awaits justice for Marcus, emphasized by her seven-year-old’s frequent inquiries on the progress of the investigation. She yearns for closure, hoping the individuals responsible are arrested. Hicks recounts how Chicago police conveyed the shooting details, which involved Marcus walking out of an apartment building with people he considered friends. Surveillance footage shows one of these alleged friends shooting Marcus twice in the back and then fleeing.

At the scene, other individuals left Marcus lying and retreated inside, leaving him to die in an alley. Hicks received calls from one of these friend’s sisters, who informed her of the shooting. Soon after, she tracked Marcus’s location to University of Chicago Medicine, where she learned of his passing.

While awaiting news at the hospital, Hicks accessed Marcus’s Instagram account, uncovering a group chat naming the shooter and discussions about his fallen state. Despite knowing Marcus was in the wrong crowd, Hicks had cautioned him about associating with them when signs emerged last June. She warned other parents not to let similar situations arise, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s parental instincts.

Marcus’s friends lived in nearby project buildings, ranged in ages from 16 to 20, and did not attend school, instead urging Marcus to consider Job Corps. Hicks acknowledged the unfortunate influence these individuals had over her son.

Since Marcus’s death, Hicks’s other sons have experienced night terrors and disruptions, affecting their comfort with daily routines such as attending football practice. Visual reminders of Marcus – in photographs and social media – intensify the family’s grief. Still, the unwavering support from Marcus’s football team provides solace during these challenging times, reinforcing their sense of love and community.

To honor Marcus’s memory, Hicks intends to commemorate his birthday on June 26 with a balloon release. His shooting was among several fatal incidents during that holiday weekend, highlighted by faith leaders advocating for stronger measures against gun violence.