Police have not announced arrests in the killing of 17-year-old Johan Adaree-Sanchez near Morton East High School.
CICERO, IL — A 17-year-old Morton East High School student was shot near campus shortly after dismissal on Thursday and later died at a hospital, authorities said, as his girlfriend described “unbelievable” grief and said he had been bullied at school.
The student was identified by the Cook County medical examiner as Johan Adaree-Sanchez. The shooting happened around 3:20 p.m. Thursday near the 2100 block of South 59th Avenue, a short walk from Morton East. As of Saturday, no arrests had been announced. School leaders acknowledged the death in a public statement and cautioned that rumors circulating online were inaccurate. Police have not publicly confirmed a motive. The girlfriend’s account has focused attention on campus safety and the investigation now underway.
Class had just let out when students poured onto South 59th Avenue on Thursday. Cicero police said officers responded at about 3:20 p.m. and found a 17-year-old with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he died later that evening. Friends identified him as Johan before the medical examiner released his name. On Friday, clusters of students and parents returned to the area, some leaving flowers. Johan’s girlfriend, Donna Medina, who is also 17, said through a relative that the pain was “unbelievable” and that Johan had complained of being bullied. “I feel heartbroken,” Medina said, adding that she had spoken with detectives about what she knew of recent confrontations.
Officials confirmed the victim was a Morton East student and said the shooting took place just after dismissal near the school. In a message to families, the school said one of its students had been killed and that crisis counselors would be available. The district noted that “many reports on social media are inaccurate,” without providing specifics. Police have not detailed how many shots were fired, what caliber weapon was used, or whether the shooter fled on foot or in a vehicle. Investigators have not said if they recovered shell casings or surveillance video, and a motive remains unknown. The medical examiner listed Johan’s age as 17 and confirmed his death later Thursday.
Cicero, a near west suburb of Chicago, has seen multiple high-profile teen-involved shootings in recent weeks, though circumstances have varied. Last week, officials reported a separate case tied to an attempted online sale that ended in gunfire several blocks away; authorities emphasized that incident was unrelated to Thursday’s shooting near Morton East. Parents outside the school Friday said they wanted more information from officials, but many also urged patience for investigators gathering statements and video. Students described a heavy police presence after dismissal Friday and said teachers set aside time to acknowledge the loss in class.
Police said the investigation is active and asked witnesses to come forward. Detectives were canvassing the neighborhood for doorbell and business surveillance video while reviewing school security footage from the afternoon of Jan. 8. The district said support staff and counselors would remain on campus through next week. If an arrest is made, authorities said charges would be filed through the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; any initial court appearance would likely occur at the Maywood courthouse. As of Saturday, officials had not announced a suspect description, and no briefings were scheduled for the weekend.
Medina, who spoke in Spanish with her cousin translating, said Johan was gentle and avoided trouble. “He wanted to finish school,” she said. Natalia Lopez, the cousin who interpreted, described the family as “devastated” and said relatives were planning a memorial. Outside the school Friday evening, students traded memories of Johan in hushed circles. A junior who knew him from freshman year said he was “quiet, funny when he wanted to be.” Another student said the crowd after dismissal was normal until screams broke out and people ran toward 59th Avenue. Residents nearby said they heard multiple pops and then sirens.
As of Saturday evening, police had not released additional details about the shooter, and the district said counseling and security measures would continue when classes resume Monday. A public update from investigators is expected once key witness interviews and video reviews are complete.
Author note: Last updated January 10, 2026.