OPRF Senior Identified in Fatal South Austin Shooting

CHICAGO, IL -- An Oak Park-River Forest High School senior was killed by gunfire late Monday evening in South Austin. Elijah Sims was shot just two days before what would have been his 17th birthday, relatives told ABC-7 Chicago.

Sims and a 15-year-old friend were standing on the corner of West Quincy Street and South Lotus Avenue are 10:10 p.m. Monday when police said someone walked up to them and started shooting. Sims was struck in the head and was taken in grave condition to Stroger Hospital.

His aunt said the youth suffered a catastrophic brain injury and died in the hospital’s intensive care unit. The 15-year-old with Sims was shot in the back and was also taken to Stroger in stable condition, ABC 7 reported.

Chicago police said the youths weren’t affiliated with any gang, according to Wednesday Journal. Both teens appear to be innocent victims in what is racking up to be the bloodiest August for gang-related gun violence on record for Chicago in 20 years.

Sims had worked at Pete's Fresh Market in Oak Park for three months, according to the store's manager, the newspaper reported.

Classes resumed for the new school year at Oak Park-River Forest High School on Aug. 23.

Photo: Elijah Sims | Family photo