Pedro Ramirez was headed to school when shots were fired in Back of the Yards.
CHICAGO, Ill. — A South Side school community was mourning 17-year-old Pedro Ramirez after police said he was fatally shot Tuesday morning while walking in Back of the Yards, where two older men were also critically wounded.
Ramirez, a student at Tilden High School, was shot about 7:40 a.m. in the 5000 block of South Throop Street. Chicago police said a dark sport-utility vehicle stopped nearby before someone got out and fired. The gunfire struck Ramirez and two men, ages 55 and 61, who were sitting in a nearby vehicle.
Ramirez was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital and pronounced dead. The two men were taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. Police said one man was shot in the back and the other was shot in the arm. The men later reached South Ashland Avenue in a damaged minivan and asked for medical help.
Family and friends said Ramirez was on his way to school when he was killed. They described him as a straight-A honor roll student, captain of the soccer team and a volleyball player. His best friend, Mario Rosales, said Ramirez often talked about how much he valued school and rarely wanted to miss class.
A memorial with candles and flowers formed near the shooting scene at South Throop and West 50th streets. Ramirez’s mother, Eloisa Garcia, said the family’s life had changed completely. Another loved one said the teen had only been trying to get to school when the shooting began.
The attack rattled the neighborhood during the morning commute. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire, and investigators marked dozens of shell casings in the street. Police have not publicly said whether the teen or the men were intended targets, and the motive remained unclear.
Chicago Public Schools said it extended condolences to Ramirez’s family, friends, school and community. The district said support services would be available for students and staff. The shooting also drew attention because it happened near schools and during a time when many students were traveling to class.
Police said a person of interest was in custody after officers pursued possible suspects near the area. Detectives were still working to determine who fired the shots, whether more than one person was involved and what charges, if any, would be filed.
As of Thursday, Ramirez’s family and classmates were preparing to remember him while investigators continued reviewing evidence from the scene and nearby streets.
Author note: Last updated May 28, 2026.