Teen Shooting Has Mayor Asking If It Could Have Been Prevented

FRANKFORT, IL — Counselors were provided for Lincoln-Way East High School students and staff this week following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old Frankfort boy over the weekend. The teen's friend — also 17 — faces a felony weapons charge from the incident, which Mayor Jim Holland described as "very sad."

"It's a very sad situation for all involved …," he said. "My thoughts are with everyone involved."

Tragedies like the one that happened Sunday also have Holland reflecting on what Frankfort lawmakers could do to stop future shootings of this kind.

"Yes, the thought comes to my mind immediately, is there anything I can do to prevent this incident from happening again?" he said. "There are a lot of rules the state has to try to protect people, and yet we still have this situation."

RELATED: Frankfort Teen Fatally Shot While Handling Gun With Friend

According to authorities, Frankfort police and paramedics responded to a call concerning a shooting just before 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, in the 19900 block of Lily Court. The victim had been shot and wounded in the chest, and he was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Investigators later learned that the victim had been visiting his friend, and the two were handling a .357 revolver with several rounds of live ammunition. The gun discharged, hitting the victim in the chest, police said.

The victim's friend has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon — a Class 4 felony — and he is currently in home custody, said Chuck Pelkie, a spokesman for the Will County State's Attorney's Office. Pelkie wouldn't comment on whether more charges are expected to be filed against the teen or anyone else in connection with the shooting. His trial in juvenile court is Dec. 12.

Police and the Will County Coroner's Office have not released the name of the victim, but he was a senior at Lincoln-Way East, according to village residents. An announcement about the incident was made Monday at the high school, and students and staff were told counselors would be available if they needed to talk about the situation.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Photo via Shutterstock