Davell Holden dies in fatal South Holland shooting
Fatal South Holland shooting death of Davell Holden
South Holland authorities confirmed the identity of a 16-year-old male killed during Saturday’s incident.
Chicago television station ABC7 reported its live coverage is available continuously.
Emergency responders began arriving at the area located on Drexel Avenue, close to 160th Street, after 7 p.m.
Upon their arrival, responders found the teenager on the property outside.
Paramedics provided treatment before transporting him to a regional medical center.
The medical examiner’s office officially announced Davell Holden, who was 16 years old and a resident of South Holland, as the deceased.
The status of any arrests is still pending at this time.
Holden was recognized as a student-athlete within his community.
School officials from Thornwood High School described him as a promising junior student and athlete, a valued player on the basketball team.
Basketball coach Joseph Ingram, a former player, expressed his shock regarding the news.
Thornwood’s principal informed the students and staff about Holden’s passing.
He shared an emotional message encouraging the community to acknowledge the teenager’s impact and support his family during this difficult period.
The specifics of the shooting are not clear.
The passing deeply impacts everyone who knew Davell.
Holden’s mother, Angela Birts, stated she still hasn’t received a full explanation, only the tragic news about her son.
“I still don’t really know what happened; I just know he left here, went over there, and I got a phone call, tragic phone call about him being shot, something that I could never have imagined,” she shared.
“She passed away at the hospital. Everyone is honoring my son, knowing that great young man. I’m sorry that I only got 16 years, but I am grateful for those 16 years,” he mentioned.
Holden’s life was centered around basketball.
Holden’s aunt, Ashley Birts, emphasized his positive character.
“She said, ‘He didn’t hurt anybody. He didn’t speak ill of anyone. He didn’t care about anything negative happening at school.'”
Another aunt, Stacey Gayles, expressed the family’s pain.
“It’s hard on our family. It hurts so bad. It’s always the innocent ones; I miss him,” she said.
The law enforcement agency is actively asking the public for any information that might assist their investigation.
