Church musician killed in Marquette Park drive-by shooting

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A young college student and church drummer was killed on Chicago's South Side.

The 21-year-old man was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Police said someone drove up to a group of people in a gangway in the 7400-block of South Maplewood Avenue around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday and opened fire.

Jeremy Parker, of the 7900-block of South Damen Avenue, was shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:40 p.m., the Cook County medical examiner's office said.

Police said the driver sped off after the shooting. Investigators did not release a description of the vehicle or the suspect.

Police do not believe Parker was the intended target.

Whether it was playing the bongos, or the drums, or singing in the choir, Parker grew up an integral part of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church on the city's Far South Side. It's a community that is now mourning his loss.

"Jeremy is a great kid. I speak of him in the present tense because he lives in our hearts, very vivacious personality, always desirous of helping in any way he could," said Pastor Rodney Patterson, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Parker grew up on the block where he died. He was, visiting with a friend.

"I was distraught. When I came over, I came straight over. I was woken up out of sleep by my daughter. They used to date. When I heard I had to come and see about him," said Cortez Baskin.

A graduate of Ralph Ellison High School, Parker had recently been taking classes at Moraine Valley Community College, while also working on staff at Shiloh. He was due to be there Wednesday to help with set up for the church's upcoming Mother's Day brunch.

"He just touched everybody that he met. He was a very kind soul," said Verda Wilkerson of Shiloh. "He did whatever we asked him to do. We trusted him. He used to provide transportation for the visiting pastors. We loved him."

Area Central detectives are trying to determine a motive. No one is in custody.