Just who is getting shot/killed?

[SanDiegoTim]

Referencing the oft/recently publicized spate of shootings in Chicago's south and west sides, are there any public stats detailing how many victims are innocent bystanders vs. those involved in gangs or some form of criminal activity?

[bobot]

I'm not sure how the authorities could ever determine who "deserved" to get shot.
In any case, it's too many kids, and even for the gang bangers, what a shame.
(not that you implied anyone deserves it...)

[stevenova]

The authorities are too busy pretending these crimes don't exist, as it's not PC. Better to wish Chick Fil A out of the city than deal with the daily multiple shootings.

[Lochdale]

Originally Posted by stevenova

The authorities are too busy pretending these crimes don't exist, as it's not PC. Better to wish Chick Fil A out of the city than deal with the daily multiple shootings.

I don't think that's fair (the Chick-Fil-A fiasco is an embarrassment). They have held numerous news conferences with the Mayor and the Police Commissioner. It regularly makes the news.

To answer the OP, the vast majority of the crimes are black on black, gang/drug related and often happen in neighborhoods like Austin, Englewood and Washington Park.

[Man With a Cat]

Lochdale mostly nailed it. The shootings are gang related but there are far too many bystanders taking bullets. Kids sitting in their bedroom when a shot comes through a window; kids playing ball in the park when a stray bullet takes them.

Chicago needs a gang war island in the lake. Got a beef between 26 and the Disciples? Float them to War Island, let them blast away at each other and feed the losers to the alewifes. Keep the streets safe for good people.

ETA: to the original question, I'm sure there are such statistics somewhere.

[Tim R. Mortiss]

Originally Posted by Man With a Cat

..... ETA: to the original question, I'm sure there are such statistics somewhere.

I'm not so sure. It's not always possible to tell if a victim was an innocent bystander, or a secret member of a gang who was actually the target. Sure, a 15 month old or an octogenarian are probably innocent bystanders, but anyone from eleven years old to retirement age could easily have been involved in gang activity, but the authorities don't know about it.

ETA: I do like the gang war island idea!

[WhyNot]

Originally Posted by Man With a Cat

Chicago needs a gang war island in the lake. Got a beef between 26 and the Disciples? Float them to War Island, let them blast away at each other and feed the losers to the alewifes. Keep the streets safe for good people.

As a bleeding heart liberal demi-pacifist, I have to say this idea horrifies and offends me.

As a human being who works in these neighborhoods....damn, I wish we could do this!