Friends, family gather to remember 9-year-old boy shot, killed in Chicago

CHICAGO -- Family, friends and even strangers gathered to remember a 9-year-old boy who police say was lured to a South Side alley and shot to death.

Tyshawn Lee was killed one week ago.

"It hurts because it is a child. Like I said, I got three of my own actually, so, I can only imagine," said Nesha Mathias, who attended Tyshawn's visitation.

"I think it is sad that it ever happened to him," said Chris Mathias.

The parents of one of Tyshawn's classmates say their son - who had been proud walking to and from school by himself - is now anxious to get rides.

"Now his mother has to pick him up and take him every day because of this situation. Children should not have to endure these type of situations that's going on, and it's becoming, it's a society problem. It really is," said Yohoama Dixon.

"I am fearful for my child. Not just mine, but for all those children that have to walk home in our community and they have to worry about, 'Am I OK?'" said Vanessa Dixon.

Lee's case remains unsolved, but Chicago police believe the 9-year-old was lured into an alley and shot multiple times - perhaps the results of gang dispute connected to Lee's family.

Whatever the reason, the elders at Haven of Rest Missionary Baptist Church volunteered their sanctuary for the visitation.

I knew some of the churches would have a fear because of the circumstances, but we said God is taking care of us," said Ann Williams, Haven of Rest Missionary Baptist Church.

Tyshawn's wake and funeral will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Sabina, which will stream the funeral on www.saintsabina.org.

Activists are offering a $54,000 reward and relocation for information leading to the boy's killer.