The fatal shooting has raised numerous questions, as detectives from Chicago Police Department’s Area 2 continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Garrett’s death. At the time of writing, no arrests have been made, and police have yet to announce any potential suspects or motives. The lack of immediate answers has only deepened the anguish felt by Garrett’s loved ones and the broader community. Earlier on Tuesday evening, multiple 911 calls were placed by South Shore residents reporting the sound of gunfire near 79th Street and Yates Boulevard, just blocks away from where Garrett’s body was later discovered. These reports coincided with a location previously monitored by Chicago’s now-deactivated ShotSpotter system, a controversial gunshot detection technology that the city discontinued in mid-2024.
For some, the connection between Garrett’s murder and the absence of ShotSpotter technology is impossible to ignore. The decision to deactivate ShotSpotter, which was supported by Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city officials as a cost-saving measure, has drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement professionals and community activists who believe the technology could have aided in responding to shootings more rapidly and, in some cases, preventing further loss of life. Critics of the decision argue that if ShotSpotter had still been active, it might have alerted authorities to the gunfire in real time, potentially enabling them to locate Garrett or intervene sooner. However, supporters of the decision to deactivate the system point to studies suggesting that ShotSpotter’s efficacy in reducing violent crime has been inconsistent, and they contend that the resources allocated to the technology could be better invested in long-term solutions addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, education, and mental health services.
Garrett’s murder is the 20th shooting death reported in Chicago since the discontinuation of ShotSpotter, a statistic that has intensified debates about public safety policies in a city that continues to grapple with some of the highest rates of gun violence in the nation. Community members and advocacy groups have expressed frustration with the seeming intractability of the problem, emphasizing that young people like Garrett are disproportionately affected by the cycle of violence that has claimed countless lives and left neighborhoods scarred by trauma.
As details about the shooting remain sparse, the South Shore community has turned to social media to mourn Garrett and celebrate his life. Friends, family members, and fans have shared heartfelt tributes to the young rapper, describing him as a bright and talented individual with big dreams and an infectious personality. Known for his charisma and lyrical skill, Garrett had been working on building his career as an artist under the stage name “FatDrench.” His music often reflected the struggles and aspirations of growing up in Chicago, and those who knew him say he had a unique ability to connect with others through his art. “He had so much potential, and it’s heartbreaking to know that we’ll never get to see him fulfill it,” one friend wrote in a social media post. “He was more than just a rapper—he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. This city failed him.”
The shooting has also reignited calls for more comprehensive measures to address gun violence in Chicago, with many advocates pointing to the need for both immediate interventions and systemic change. Organizations such as Cure Violence, Chicago CRED, and My Block, My Hood, My City have long been at the forefront of efforts to disrupt the cycles of violence that plague neighborhoods like South Shore. These groups work to provide mentorship, job training, and community resources aimed at giving young people alternatives to the streets. However, the scale of the problem often far exceeds the capacity of these programs, leaving many to question how the city can more effectively support its most vulnerable residents.
In the wake of Garrett’s death, local leaders have spoken out about the need for unity and action. Alderwoman Desmon Yancy, who represents Chicago’s 5th Ward, which includes South Shore, described the shooting as a “devastating loss for our community” and called on residents to come together to combat violence. “We cannot continue to lose our young people to senseless acts of violence,” Yancy said in a statement. “DeJohn had his whole life ahead of him, and now that future has been stolen. We must work together to ensure that no more families have to endure this kind of pain.”
The location of the shooting—an alley near 80th Street and Colfax Avenue—has become a site of both mourning and reflection. Community members have gathered in the area to leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in Garrett’s memory. The makeshift memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of gun violence and the urgent need for solutions. Among the tributes, a message scrawled on a poster board reads: “Rest in power, FatDrench. Your voice will live on through your music.”
While the investigation into Garrett’s murder continues, the tragedy underscores the broader challenges facing Chicago as it seeks to address the root causes of violence and build safer, more equitable communities. Experts in criminology and public policy have emphasized the importance of a multifaceted approach, combining law enforcement strategies with investments in education, economic development, and mental health resources. At the same time, they caution against framing the issue solely as a matter of policing, arguing that true progress requires addressing the systemic inequalities that perpetuate cycles of violence.
For Garrett’s family, the pain of his loss is immeasurable. In a statement released through a family spokesperson, his mother described her son as “a kind and loving soul who brought joy to everyone he met.” She urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the importance of justice not only for her son but for all victims of violence. “DeJohn was more than just a statistic—he was a person with dreams, with talent, with so much life ahead of him,” she said. “We need to do better as a city, as a community, to protect our young people and give them the futures they deserve.”
The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the 4th District Police Station at (312) 747-8205 or submit an anonymous tip via CPDTIP.COM. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that answers will emerge, providing some measure of closure for Garrett’s family and helping to prevent future tragedies. In the meantime, the memory of DeJohn “FatDrench” Garrett serves as a somber reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure that Chicago’s streets are safe for all who call the city home.
