Son of Chicago Cop Visiting From College Was Shot To Death Before He Could Surprise His Sick Mom

Chicago is a state known for its violence. Gun shooting happens so often that it has become almost normal. In most cases, even the innocent die such as in the case of a recent tragic death of a college student visiting his home.

The Washington Post reports that Arshell "Trey" Dennis, 19, was in town to visit his sick mom. He was planning to surprise her but never had the chance to do so. While he was sitting at the porch of a residence on Saturday night, Dennis, along with his friend, were shot by an unknown assailant.

According to Chicago Tribune, Dennis was shot in the chest while another bullet struck his friend in the arm and side. Neighbors found them wounded after hearing gunshots in the 2900 block of West 82nd Street. Dennis' friend was then taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in serious condition while Dennis was pronounced dead an hour later after he was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park.

As per The Washington Post, the police couldn't point any ulterior motive the gunman of Dennis might have had. He was a diligent son of a cop who was never involved with any gang and had a promising future ahead after getting into college at St. John's University in New York.

Authorities affirmed this on Monday when Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced that the death was caused by a "mistaken identity." The superintendent also dismissed some speculations that Dennis might have been killed because of his father's job as a Drug Enforcement Administration task officer for the Chicago Police Department (via The Washington Post).

The family was deeply saddened by the news of Dennis death. He was supposed to start his junior year as a Journalism student and would have left Chicago for New York on Sunday if not for the bullet that took his life (via Chicago Tribune).

In another Chicago Tribune article, more than fifty people were shot in the state on the weekend Dennis died. The total number of people shot in Chicago has already reached 2,600 this year.

What do you think is the root cause of gun violence in Chicago? How can the government address this persisting problem? Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.