15-year-old shot, killed in West Garfield Park identified by family

Chicago police are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed in West Garfield Park early Wednesday morning. 

Around 1 a.m., Chicago police were called to the 4600 block of West Jackson Boulevard and found the teen with a gunshot wound to the head.

The 15-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Family identified the victim as Lasiah Palmer. He was set to start school at Rowe Clark Math and Science Academy next month. 

The family described Lasiah as an athlete and a big brother whose life was cut short.

"We're absolutely devastated," said cousin Billeka Palmer. "He was a gamer. He loved sports. Just an overall quiet, calm, cool, pretty, pretty cool kid."

Lasiah's mother said she came home to find him shot on their back porch. She said he always had a 10 p.m. curfew and after hours he was only allowed to hang out with his friends on their back porch, which is secured by a gate.

"I think that is very important to understand that this child was in the safety of his own home. They lived on the third floor. It wasn't as if this was easy access. He was not a part of street life, street culture," Billeka said.  

The family said they spent the last 15 years trying to keep Lasiah from danger. 

"We want to raise good young men and that's what we did and he was taken from us way too soon and tragically," Billeka said.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not released on Wednesday. No arrests have been made. 

The family is asking anyone with information to come forward. 

Area detectives are investigating.