Damarion Johnson and rideshare driver Jassen Cho died after a gunman opened fire in East Garfield Park.
CHICAGO, Ill. — A Chicago high school senior known for basketball and a part-time Uber driver were fatally shot Thursday night during a rideshare trip in East Garfield Park, authorities said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Damarion Johnson, 18, and Jassen Cho, 38. Their deaths have brought grief to Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, Project sWISH Chicago and Cho’s friends and family. Police said the gunman fled and remained at large Monday.
The attack happened just before 8:30 p.m. in the 200 block of North Homan Avenue. Police said Cho was driving Johnson when a gray SUV pulled up beside their vehicle. Someone inside the SUV fired shots, striking both men. Johnson was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, and Cho was taken to Stroger Hospital. Both died from their injuries. Uber said in a statement that the company’s thoughts were with the victims’ loved ones and that it was helping police with the case.
Johnson attended Christ the King Jesuit College Prep in Austin and was remembered as a talented guard with plans tied to college basketball. His mother, Candace Johnson, said he stayed focused on the sport and avoided trouble. “He always knew that ball was what he wanted to do,” she said. Johnson spent years with Project sWISH Chicago, a youth basketball program. The group’s founder, McKinley Nelson, said Johnson’s death was especially painful because another teen connected to the program was killed by gun violence in November.
Cho’s friends said he was more than the driver listed in the police report. He worked as a financial analyst and had been driving for Uber on the side. Friends said he was a DePaul University graduate, a traveler and a man who helped others without hesitation. Johnnie Ulrich, who said he had known Cho for 25 years, called him a “Renaissance man who did everything.” Cho had plans to move in with his girlfriend soon, friends said, and was days from marking a relationship milestone.
The shooting brought mourners to Homan Square Park, where Project sWISH Chicago held a vigil for Johnson. Players, coaches and relatives gathered near the court to remember his energy and skill. Christ the King said its counseling team was available for students and staff. The school described the death as a “senseless loss.” Police have not said whether Johnson, Cho, the rideshare vehicle or someone else was the intended target. Officials also have not released a full description of the shooter.
Detectives continued reviewing evidence from the shooting scene and surrounding blocks. Police said the gray SUV fled after the gunfire. Local reports said a vehicle linked to the case was found burned nearby, but authorities had not publicly tied any person to the attack. Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information. No charges had been filed Monday, and police said no further details were immediately available.
The case remained unsolved Monday as two families prepared funerals and two Chicago communities mourned. Police said the investigation is active, with the next update expected when detectives identify a suspect or announce charges.
Author note: Last updated May 12, 2026.