Teen shot and killed in South Loop was student at nearby school
CHICAGO (CBS) – High school senior Cameron Rayford won't get to walk the stage for graduation.
The 18-year-old, known for his style and academics, was one of two teens shot in front of classmates in the South Loop this week. The other teen survived, but Rayford did not make it.
As CBS 2's Jermont Terry reported, students from the Perspectives Charter Schools Rodney D. Joslin Campus, 1930 S. Archer Ave., were gathering along State Street near Cullerton Street around 3:30 p.m. Thursday – just after dismissal.
Shots went off, and many took off running – including an injured teen who came into a nearby restaurant just moments after seeing his friend shot in front of him.
Rayford was weeks away from graduating from the Perspectives Rodney D. Joslin Campus. But the young man who was known to dress his best – often in suits – was shot and killed.
"That says that he had a future," said concerned parent LaGena Cain. "That says that knew was somebody. That says that he wanted to go places - and definitely not the grave at 18 years old."
Cain's son is Rayford's classmate. Police said shooters in a stolen Kia fired at Rayford and another young man as they sat in a black Jeep.
The other person in the Jeep sport-utility vehicle also attends the same school. He was shot in the hand.
The injured teen then ran into the restaurant Cain's son was in.
"For my son to be that close to it; like for him to see the young man get shot in the hand; for the blood to get on his shoe," Cain said.
Cain said her son is traumatized – and so are other students.
"It could've been my baby - and just to hear about this young man is heartbreaking," she said. "I've been crying all morning."
She cries for the loss of life.
"My heart goes out to Cameron's mother," Cain said.
She also cries for the fear the shooting in the South Loop has placed in so many parents.
"It's scary to raise children here. It's scary to have a young Black man in this city," Cain said. "I'm afraid for his life. it's not a good feeling."
The shooters crashed the stolen getaway car barely a block away at State Street and Cermak Road. All of this happened just blocks from the Central (1st) District Chicago Police station, 1718 S. State St.
"They don't even care that the police station is right down the street," Cain said. "They're willing to do this in broad daylight, in front of everybody."
In a statement, the school said his death was "a devastating loss to our school community and our hearts are with the family at this time."
The school added, "Perspectives Charter Schools is unreservedly against any form of violence and we will continue to work towards building a more peaceful world for our students."
The school canceled classes Friday. It will also be closed Monday, May 1, and will have early dismissal Tuesday, May 2.
"Such a good kid with a promising future," Cain said.
Grief counselors are available for students and parents at the charter school.
Chicago Police are still looking for whoever was behind the deadly shooting.
