CHICAGO — A ShotSpotter gunshot detection sensor reportedly recorded the sound of gunfire more than nine hours before an East Side neighborhood resident alerted authorities to a woman dead in an alleyway near his home.
Sierra Evans, who’d recently turned 19, was found dead on the 9500 block of South Avenue N at around 9:30 Saturday morning. Police who responded to the neighbor’s 911 call said Evans suffered multiple gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ald. Peter Chico, whose 10th Ward includes the area, confirmed with ShotSpotter parent company SoundThinking that multiple gunshots were recorded at 12:06 a.m., more than nine hours before Evans’ body was found, another alderman said.
Chicago’s contract with ShotSpotter ended Sept. 23, fulfilling a campaign promise of Mayor Brandon Johnson. While some of the infrastructure remains, the company no longer sends alerts to police.
“It’s unfortunate the young woman’s death is an example of how this tragedy may have been avoided if the ShotSpotter technology was still active,” Ald. David Moore (17th Ward) said in a statement sharing Chico’s findings. “For a woman to be found 9 ½ hours after a ShotSpotter alert could have been sent is heartbreaking.”
Chicago police data through late Aug. shows at least 143 victims received aid at a scene this year following a ShotSpotter alert, including seven where no 911 call was made.
“While the politics of this city is trying to minimize this tragedy, I’m not going to remain silent. This is about saving lives,” Moore said. “In the name of safety and on behalf of the residents across the city, I am calling upon the administration to reactivate ShotSpotter immediately.”
The city has issued a formal request for companies to submit information on replacement technology.
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alderman, acknowledged many alderpeople had concerns about ShotSpotter being the best product for the city. Nonetheless, he thinks there is a need to implement a replacement tool for first responders.
“What a number of us recognize is that you can’t have nothing. Even though this was looking to be removed, [there needs] to be a better plan in place as to what the next technology is going to be,” Vasquez said.
Evans’ family said they’re heartbroken and need to know what happened. They believe it ShotSpotter technology was still active, it could’ve helped.
“It might have not saved her life completely. CPD would’ve been on the scene and CFD would’ve tried to save her and she would’ve probably still been with us if we had the ShotSpotter,” Evans’ uncle Mark Abrams said.
Family members said they’re planning a vigil for Wednesday night in the spot where Evans was killed to honor her life and push for justice.
The Mayor’s Office has yet to reply to WGN News’ request for comment on this story. Stay with WGN News as this story will be updated once more information becomes available.