Family and friends gathered Monday evening in Woodridge to remember 18-year-old Kamarion L. Coleman, who was fatally shot over the weekend in Crest Hill.
Dozens of people attended the vigil, where mourners released balloons in Coleman’s memory. Two teenagers who were also wounded in the shooting were among those who came to honor him.
Coleman, a Woodridge resident, was killed after gunfire broke out late Saturday night near Crest Hill Memorial Park. Police responded to the area around 11 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired and found four teenagers with gunshot wounds.
Coleman was pronounced dead early Sunday morning. The Will County Coroner’s Office later identified him and classified his death as a homicide. An autopsy was conducted Sunday, while additional police and toxicology reports remain pending.
His mother, Reeshema Coleman, said her son had been preparing to begin HVAC school Monday.
“He was mine and as you can see from out here, my baby was loved,” she said during the vigil.
Friends also remembered Coleman as someone they could depend on.
“He was my biggest supporter and he supported me in everything I did,” friend Jessica Neibuhr said. “He was always the person I could count on for anything.”
Three Other Teens Were Injured
Three other teenagers were wounded in the shooting.
An 18-year-old from Joliet was airlifted to a Chicago hospital in critical condition. A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old suffered injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Both younger victims attended Monday’s vigil, according to Coleman’s mother.
“They are doing good,” she said. “They are here, and for that, that’s all we can ask for.”
Police have said the shooting was connected to a gathering at the park and did not appear to be random. Investigators have not publicly disclosed what led to the gunfire or identified a suspect.
The Crest Hill Police Department and the Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force are continuing to investigate.
As of the latest available information, no arrests had been announced.
Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Crest Hill police at 815-741-5111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Will County at 800-323-6734.
