Illinois Honor Student Shot Dead While Waiting for DoorDash Outside Girlfriend’s Home in ‘Sickening’ Case of Mistaken Identity
SOUTH HOLLAND, ILLINOIS — An Illinois honor student and high school basketball standout was shot and killed while waiting for a DoorDash order outside his girlfriend’s home in what authorities are calling a “sickening” case of mistaken identity, according to prosecutors and village officials.
Teen Was Targeted Because He Resembled Someone Else
Davell Holden, 16, was standing outside a home in South Holland, a south suburban Chicago community, when three suspects pulled up in a stolen vehicle and opened fire, Cook County prosecutors said in court over the weekend.
Investigators say the suspects mistakenly believed Holden was another individual who had previously lived on the same street and whom they intended to kill.
“Disgustingly, this is a case of mistaken identity,” village officials said in a statement.
“Now, an innocent and promising young man is gone.”
Prosecutors Detail Planned Gang Attack
Authorities identified the suspects as Javan Moore, 21, Demon Smith, 20, and a 16-year-old male, whose name has not been released due to his age.
Prosecutors said Moore exited the vehicle and shot Holden, while the others accompanied him during the attack. Moore has been charged with first-degree murder, while the remaining suspects face felony murder charges.
Officials say the group is believed to be affiliated with a local gang known as 9 Block, and the shooting was meant to target a rival gang member.
Gun Traced Through Teen Suspect’s Phone
During the investigation, police recovered photos and text messages from the teenage suspect’s phone allegedly showing attempts to sell the murder weapon.
Officers later located the gun during a search of the teen’s home, prosecutors said.
Community Leaders Remember Victim
South Holland officials announced the arrests during a Monday press conference, where local leaders spoke emotionally about Holden’s life and future.
“Davell, at only 16-years-old, was an outstanding young man,” said South Holland Mayor Don De Graff.
Police Chief Shawn Staples echoed the sentiment.
“He was an honor student. He was a member of his basketball team for our local high school,” Staples said.
“This crime hit home for everyone — not just our residents, but for our police department.”
Mother Says Son ‘Did Not Deserve to Die This Way’
Holden’s mother, Angela Birts, also spoke publicly following the arrests, expressing heartbreak over the loss of her son.
“This is not the way my son deserved to die,” she said.
She previously told reporters she remembered screaming and praying while rushing to the scene after learning her son had been shot.
Suspects Held Without Bond
All three suspects were ordered held without bond and are expected to return to court Tuesday, according to reports.
Village officials emphasized that such violence has no place in the community.
“South Holland is a Community of Faith, Family, and Future,” Village Administrator J. Wynsma said.
“This type of heinous crime will never be tolerated here.”
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