Prayer Vigil For Joliet Murder Victim Draws 150, Mayor D'Arcy

JOLIET, IL — A crowd of 150 people including Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Joliet Police Department Deputy Chief Carlos Matlock, Garland Mays of the Will County Executive's Office and Joliet City Councilwoman Suzi Ibarra gathered under a large shade tree Friday evening to mark the prayer vigil and balloon launch for Antoine Shropshire.

The 16-year-old Joliet boy was gunned down Tuesday evening in the street right in front of the playground equipment here.

The killing happened in the 400 block of South Joliet Street. The prayer vigil also included messages from Pastor Herb Brooks and Bishop Steven Evans. The vigil was hosted by SpeakUp, along with support from the Nonviolent Cities Project.

"Good evening, to Antoine's family, there are no words to stop the pain you feel, but from the bottom of my heart, I say to you, that I and the city are so very sorry for your loss," Mayor D'Arcy remarked. "As we stand here tonight, we drink from the same cup of loss and sorrow as Antoine's family. Again, I offer to Antoine's family our heartfelt condolences for your loss of a life not yet lived.

"Our prayer is for peace and healing for you in days, months and years to come," D'Arcy said.

Antoine's mother has established a GoFundMe called For Antoine's Funeral And Burial Expenses.

"Antoine was my oldest child and the protector of the family," Tysha Hammond wrote. "Antoine was 16 years old at his time of death. Antoine was an amazing football and basketball player. May 30th 2023 Antoine was shot and killed ... playing at the park with friends. I am just asking for any donations that will assist me with sending Antoine home."