Lasiah Palmer, a 15-year-old known as “Spyda” by his family and friends, had a curfew set by his family to ensure his safety in their West Side neighborhood. Despite these efforts, a tragic event unfolded when he was fatally shot at his Austin home. Lasiah had been spending a quiet evening on his back porch, a space where family believed he’d be safe. “That should have been a luxury he was afforded in his own home,” expressed his cousin, Billeka Palmer.
On a Tuesday night, after swimming with friends, Lasiah returned home, showered, and relaxed by watching TV in his mother’s bedroom. The police reported that around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Lasiah’s mother found him bleeding on the third-floor patio. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the top of his head. Emergency services rushed him to Stroger Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed the incident as a homicide, though his identity had not been officially released by Thursday. Early investigations indicated no substantial leads regarding the shooting incident. Witnesses recounted hearing a loud noise an hour or two before Lasiah was found, but further details remain elusive.
Billeka Palmer described Lasiah as quiet and introverted. He was a loving family member who preferred small gatherings, enjoyed sports, and was enthusiastic about starting high school at Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy. The last memorable family gathering was on Mother’s Day, where Lasiah and his family shared joyful moments.
The Austin community, where Lasiah lived, leads the city in homicides, having seen 18 cases by Saturday. In 2026, the broader city of Chicago recorded 233 homicides, a worrying statistic despite efforts from families like Palmer’s to prevent young Black men from becoming part of such numbers.
Billeka Palmer highlighted that her cousin’s mother worked diligently to keep her sons safe, distancing them from street culture and trying to alter the narrative around Black children. Amidst grief and disbelief, the family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. The campaign raised over $3,400 as they seek closure and justice for Lasiah.
Diamond Dortch, another cousin, contributed heartfelt words on their fundraiser page: “Lasiah was more than a name. He was a caring son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. His presence brought light and laughter to everyone he encountered.” The loss has left the family and their community struggling to comprehend the senseless violence.
As Harrison Area (Area 4) detectives continue to investigate the shooting, the family and the community hold on to memories of Lasiah, hoping for answers and an end to the sorrow that accompanied his untimely death.