“Lil Dave” Remembered: 16-Year-Old David Mason Jr. Fatally Shot in West Garfield Park
CHICAGO — October 21, 2025
A community is in mourning after a tragic shooting claimed the life of 16-year-old David Mason Jr., affectionately known to friends and family as “Lil Dave,” in the West Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to reports of a person shot near West End Avenue and Keeler Avenue around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. When officers arrived, the victim had already been transported from the scene in a private vehicle.
Shortly afterward, Mount Sinai Hospital notified police that a teenage male with multiple gunshot wounds had been dropped off at the emergency department. Despite efforts to save his life, David Mason Jr. was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Medical staff reported that Mason suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and arms, injuries described as “catastrophic.”
Investigation Underway
Police believe Mason was standing on or near a sidewalk when shots were fired by an unknown assailant. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooter was on foot or in a vehicle, and no suspects are currently in custody.
The case is being actively investigated by Area Four detectives, who are canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing surveillance footage, and appealing to the public for tips that might lead to an arrest.
So far, no motive has been confirmed, and police have not stated whether Mason was the intended target or an innocent bystander in the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CPD or submit anonymous tips to CPD’s tip hotline or the city’s Crime Stoppers program.
A Life Cut Short
David Mason Jr. was more than the latest name in a growing list of young lives lost to gun violence in Chicago. Described by family members as “kind, funny, and full of dreams,” Lil Dave was a sophomore at a local high school and had aspirations of one day working in music or sports.
“He had so much life in him,” said Tameka Johnson, a neighbor who had known David since childhood. “He loved basketball, he loved his friends, and he always made people laugh. This is just devastating.”
On social media, friends have flooded timelines with tributes to the teenager, posting pictures, sharing memories, and calling for justice using hashtags like #JusticeForLilDave and #StopTheViolence.
David’s family, still in shock over the loss, released a short statement asking for privacy and prayers during their time of grief.
“David was a son, a brother, a friend. He had his whole life ahead of him. We are heartbroken. Please keep our family in your prayers.”
Community Response: Grief, Outrage, and Calls for Action
The West Garfield Park community — already burdened by years of systemic challenges, underinvestment, and repeated exposure to violence — is once again forced to grapple with a loss that feels all too familiar.
Local activists and violence prevention advocates gathered near the scene Tuesday evening to hold a vigil and call for renewed commitment to protecting Chicago’s youth.
“This cannot become normal. A 16-year-old child should not be gunned down in broad daylight,” said Pastor Corey Mitchell, who leads a neighborhood anti-violence initiative. “We are tired, we are angry, and we are grieving. But we will not stay silent. David’s life mattered.”
Candlelight vigils and memorials are being planned for later this week. Community members have begun placing candles, flowers, and handwritten notes near the site of the shooting, transforming the sidewalk into a growing memorial for Lil Dave.
Gun Violence Continues to Plague Chicago’s Youth
David Mason Jr.’s death adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence involving young people in Chicago. According to recent data from the Chicago Office of Violence Prevention, more than 100 minors have been shot in the city so far in 2025, with dozens killed.
Despite city-wide efforts — including youth mentorship programs, increased patrols, and community-based interventions — progress has been uneven, particularly in underserved neighborhoods like West Garfield Park.
“We are in a crisis,” said Alicia Rodriguez, a community outreach coordinator. “Our young people are dying, and the city must do more. Resources, jobs, schools — we need comprehensive solutions, not just headlines after the fact.”
Remembering Lil Dave
As the investigation continues, those who loved David Mason Jr. are left to grieve a life full of promise, stolen far too soon.
“He was just starting to figure out who he wanted to be,” said his cousin, Marcus Riley. “He never got that chance. We’ll remember him for the laughter, the loyalty, and the love he gave to everyone around him.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Area Four detectives at (312) 746-8252 or submit an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.
Vigil Information:
A community vigil is planned for Thursday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m., near West End and Keeler — the site of the shooting.
All are welcome to attend and honor the life of David “Lil Dave” Mason Jr.
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