Family calls for justice after 15-year-old shot, killed on Halloween in University Village

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The family of a 15-year-old killed in Chicago's University Village neighborhood on Halloween says he had a promising life ahead of him, and they want the killer brought to justice.

When John Thomas graduated from Smyth Public School, he was the valedictorian of his eighth-grade class.

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The boy went on to Chicago Bulls College Prep, where he continued to keep his grades up, according to his aunt, Sondra Bennett, who is distraught that her nephew was shot and killed last week.

"We're still in disbelief that it happened, and we want justice," Bennett said.

It was Friday afternoon, when Thomas was biking to his father's house to go trick-or-treating. He was fatally shot in the 1300-block of West Grenshaw Street.

Investigators say a vehicle pulled up, and someone inside fired shots.

Bennett says she has no idea who did this, or why.

"This is insane. It's hurting a lot of people," Bennett said. "My nephew didn't do anything to anybody. He was a great kid."

Thomas was the oldest of four boys, and Bennett says his younger brothers are devastated, as are his friends and teachers who have reached out to the family.

Thomas' family is hoping whoever did this will be caught.

"Somebody's got to do something about it. It doesn't make any sense," Bennett said.

Chicago police say area detectives continue to investigate the crime, and no one is in custody.

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