Parents of Man Shot to Death Just Steps from Home Seek Help with Funeral Expenses

CALUMET CITY, IL — The parents of a 19-year-old Calumet City man fatally shot just doors from his own home are seeking the public's help with funeral expenses.

"This hurtful situation has broken our hearts and has placed a deep hole in mine," wrote his mother Stephanie Hayes Smith on a GoFundMe page.

Jaylan Hayes was shot Dec. 20 in the 1300 block of Burnham Avenue. He was "literally 3 doors from my home," his mother states on the fundraiser page. His death was ruled a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds.

As of mid-week, police did not have a suspect in custody.

Hayes—who would have turned 20 years old on New Year's Eve—did not have a life insurance policy. His family is asking for donations to assist with funeral and burial expenses, in addition to helping the family relocate.

The GoFundMe has thus far raised $1,210 of a $20,000 goal.