The stories of violence in Chicago, Illinois, have become commonplace in the national news. But the latest shooting has law enforcement fearful of a continued escalation. At a funeral for local rapper Vantrease R. Criss, who went by the name “Dooski Tha Man” and was part of the rap collective Fly Boy Gang (FBG), a fellow member of his crew was shot in the head and several others were wounded.
Criss was killed on October 9, 2018, when he was shot in the Washington Park neighborhood on Chicago’s Southside. A female companion was also injured but survived. At the funeral held on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, unknown gunmen opened fire outside Bethlehem Star Missionary Baptist Church, as mourners were leaving the service. At least six people were hit by gunfire but the most seriously injured was Marvel “FBG Wooski” Williams. Also injured, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, were a 25-year-old man shot in the arm, a 27-year-old woman shot in the leg and lower body and a 24-year-old man male shot in the leg. An 18-year-old man was shot and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and a 23-year-old man shot in the leg was taken to Advocate Trinity Hospital.
According to police and witness statements, at least 40 shots were fired along the block between two groups of gunmen. The Chicago Police Department has stated that the beef is gang related and the those involved have affiliations with the Gangster Disciples and another group called the Black Disciples. At this time, it is reported that FBG Wooski is in critical but stable condition, having suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Chicago police are planning community meetings to try to quell the expected violence which amounts to a gang war in a troubled neighborhood.
Video of the aftermath of the shooting can be seen by clicking here. (Warning Graphic Language)
