Friends, family remember Demario Bailey at funeral
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A teenager gunned down in a senseless criminal act was laid to rest Saturday morning at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in the city's Chatham neighborhood.
Fifteen-year-old-Demario Bailey was killed last weekend as he walked with his brother on the South Side. Bailey's death spurred an outpouring of grief and support from all across Chicago.
Teens on their knees praying during the funeral service for Demario Bailey Saturday in the city's Chatham neighborhood.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Diana Rauner, the wife of governor-elect Bruce Rauner, were also in attendance to show their support for the family.
It was a moving and powerful service, the church was packed with young people. Bailey's mother stood up at the altar and said her son's death will not be in vain.
The teen was killed during a robbery last Saturday when a group of teenaged offenders held up Bailey and his twin brother Demacio under a viaduct at 63rd and State in the middle of the afternoon.
Prosecutors said the accused wanted Demario's coat and when he refused to give it up, they shot him and left him for dead. The three 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old were charged with the murder and are now in custody. All four of the teenagers charged will be tried as adults.
In an emotional plea to parents, his mother, Delores Bailey, said Saturday that enough is enough.
"We talk about the police, what the police should be doing, what the mayor should be doing. What should YOU be doing?" she said.
Hundreds of teens came to the funeral and they were all called out, asked to come to the altar and make a promise to survive.
"You will graduate, you will go to college, you will not get high, you will not be strung out like your parent," said Pastor John Hannah.
Those who knew the family well say Demario's death affects an entire community.
"We're all connected, we're all family," said Charles Ford. "I hope this raises the value system of the parents to raise their kids a little better and see things a little better."
