In a tragic turn of events, an 18-year-old basketball star, Damarion Johnson, and his rideshare driver, Jassen Cho, 38, were both killed in a shooting on Chicago’s West Side. The incident occurred in the Garfield Park neighborhood, specifically on the 200-block of North Homan Avenue, just before 8:30 p.m. on May 7. Chicago police have identified a person of interest and are currently investigating the double homicide.
Damarion Johnson, a promising young athlete with a bright future ahead, was sitting in the backseat of the Uber when gunfire erupted from another vehicle. The shooting, captured by surveillance cameras, left both Johnson and Cho dead at the scene. Johnson’s death is particularly heartbreaking, as he was on the brink of committing to college on a full-ride basketball scholarship, a testament to his talent and hard work.
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Johnson had honed his skills and fostered his dreams through Project sWISH Chicago, a basketball initiative aimed at supporting inner-city youth. His mother shared that his life was about to take an exciting turn with the scholarship opportunity, marking the beginning of what promised to be a successful career in basketball.
Jassen Cho, a part-time rideshare driver, also lost his life during the tragic incident. As the community reels from this loss, police continue their investigation, hoping to bring justice to the victims and their families.
Johnson’s mother said his death came just days before he was supposed to commit to a college, with a full-ride basketball scholarship. He spent years with Project sWISH Chicago, a basketball program for inner city youth.
Uber Driver Jassen Cho, 38, was also killed.
Cho was a financial analyst, DePaul University grad and Albany Park native who drove for the rideshare company as a side job and died days before celebrating his one-year anniversary with his girlfriend.
Police have not given a motive behind the shooting, and so far, no officials arrests have been made an no charges have been filed.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.
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