April 06--A teenager who was shot by a Zion police officer Saturday died from two gunshots wounds to his torso, Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd announced Monday.
Justus Howell, 17, was shot twice from the back, with one bullet penetrating his heart, spleen and liver, according to the coroner's new release. The other bullet entered his right shoulder from the back, the release said.
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force continued Monday to gather evidence about and interview witnesses to the shooting, Cmdr. George Filenko said Monday.
Zion police issued a statement Saturday saying the shooting occurred after they responded to a caller who reported hearing a single gunshot during "an argument or fight" on Gilead Avenue at just before 2 p.m. When police arrived, a male subject ran from the scene, prompting a police foot chase.
An unidentified officer "was involved in a shooting with this person" at 24th Street and Galilee Avenue, said the police statement, which also indicated that a handgun was found at the scene.
Police said officers provided medical attention to Howell before he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was found dead.
Police have not said if the officer involved has been placed on leave.
Family members and community activists gathered at the scene of the shooting Sunday.
Howell was a high school junior who had transferred in February from a school in Wisconsin into Waukegan Public School District 60, district spokesman Nick Alajakis said.
Alajakis said the teen attended Lakeshore Academy, a privately run school that takes students from District 60 and serves students who are at risk, according to a District 60 website.
Hinkel is a Tribune reporter; Abderholden is a News-Sun reporter.
dhinkel@tribpub.com
fabderholden@tribpub.com
