CREST HILL, Ill. () — An 18-year-old Woodridge teen killed in a Crest Hill shooting has been identified by authorities as Kamarion Coleman, with investigators saying the case is being treated as an apparent homicide.
Crest Hill police are continuing to investigate the fatal gunfire, which broke out after a Saturday night gathering at Crest Hill Memorial Park.
According to investigators, four teens were struck by bullets in the 900-block of Willow Court. Officers were called to the area shortly around 11 p.m. after reports of shots fired.
Police said another 18-year-old, from Joliet, was airlifted to a Chicago hospital in critical condition. Two additional victims, ages 15 and 16, are expected to survive their injuries.
Authorities have not released details about what may have sparked the Crest Hill shooting, but they said it was tied to the gathering at the park.
Emani Love, who lives across from Crest Hill Memorial Park, said the event did not seem troubling before the sudden burst of gunfire.
“I heard the gunshots, but before prior to that, I was walking my dog. And she’s an emotional support animal, so she kind of was just steady looking over towards that way, you know, like, ‘What’s going on?’ Because it was a lot of music and, you know, I think a barbeque,” Love said.
Love said she has lived in the area for several years and described the park as a well-used neighborhood spot where families gather, residents spend time outside and dog walkers frequently pass through.
“It’s so sad, you know, for a young life to be taken that soon, especially, you know, in this neighborhood,” Love said.
She also expressed sympathy for those affected by the shooting.
“It’s just it’s so tragic. Like, it’s so sad to hear that. And I’m really sorry to everybody that was involved. It’s horrible news,” Love said.
Police have not said whether anyone was in custody but noted that the shooting was not random.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Crest Hill police at 815-741-5111. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Will County at 800-323-6734.
