Mother of Gun Violence Victim Reflects on Rising Crime in Chicago
A mother from the south side of Chicago, who tragically lost her teenage son to gun violence, shared her thoughts on the increasing crime rate in the city since her own childhood. Marquita Sally recounted a heartbreaking experience: “The boys stood right behind our house. They shot him in the alley. I mean, I was home. His brother was home. We found him literally on the ground in the alley where he was breathing his last breath.”
Her son, Gregory Bernard Wilson III, was shot and killed on March 13, 2023, in the Chatham neighborhood at just 16 years old. The Chicago Police Department has since opened a murder investigation into the incident.
Sally, 41, noted that the situation in Chicago has become increasingly dangerous over the years. “It’s getting worse since I grew up. Back then, I could walk around safely from King Drive to Stony Island. Now, my son couldn’t even walk to the store without worry,” she reflected.
On September 18, Sally will attend a court hearing related to her son’s case. Her mother, Gainell Simmons, also known as Mr. Gale, emphasized that the perpetrator is incarcerated and they are not looking for his release.
According to reports, Wilson sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The family is struggling with the grief of their loss. “When holidays and birthdays come around, we’re together, but it’s a rough process,” Simmons expressed.
Local police reported at least 32 shootings over the recent Labor Day weekend, resulting in eight fatalities and numerous injuries. Simmons, 61, echoed Sally’s sentiments, noting that crime conditions have worsened over the years. “When I was growing up, kids could play outside until the streetlights came on without fear. Now, that’s just not the case,” she lamented.
While the community grapples with violent crime rates that exceed national averages, data show that some surrounding Illinois cities report even higher rates of violence. Simmons feels strongly that the city should welcome support, saying, “If troops could come to help, I think we have nothing to lose.”
She expressed concern about the safety of daily life. “We’re afraid to ride the red line. You can’t really allow kids to play outside. Women walking alone is a concern—day or night,” she added.
After her grandson’s passing, Simmons started the Gregory B. Wilson III Foundation, aiming to honor Gregory’s memory while giving back to the community. “We want to help kids, and we had a successful back-to-school event for over 200 families. When his birthday comes around, we plan a big celebration. It’s hard to imagine he would be turning 21 in just two years,” she said.
