Chicago offers reward to find 9-year-old boy's killer

CHICAGO -- A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest in the shooting death of Tyshawn Lee, 9, on Chicago's South Side.

Tyshawn was shot and killed in an alley near his grandmother's home in the 8000-block of South Damen Avenue in the city's Gresham neighborhood around 4:15 p.m. Monday.

Tyshawn loved to play basketball. Family members said he brought his ball everywhere he went and it was found near his body Monday afternoon.

Police said an unknown number of people were gathered in the alley when an argument led to gunfire. Tyshawn was shot several times in the upper body, including in the head and back. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's unclear whether Tyshawn was targeted or caught in the crossfire. His family said he was a great kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His mother, Karla Lee, posted a heart-breaking message on facebook.

"He is a very good kid. He loved to play ball and he loved video games," said Sabrina Lee, Tyshawn's aunt.

Tyshawn was a fourth grader here at Scott Joplin Elementary School. Parents said his death will be felt throughout the school.

"I was angry, I was upset, I was hurt - all at the same time. There is no one here protecting these kids," sad Lakesha Alexander, a parent.

Police looked for surveillance cameras in the area and spoke with residents to find any witnesses. Flyers will be handed out in the neighborhood Tuesday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Chicago police at 312-747-8271.

Tyshawn's mother set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay for her son's funeral. To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com.