17-year-old, 18-year-old charged in deadly Chicago carjacking spree

Suspects allegedly carried out 2 murders and multiple carjackings across several neighborhoods

Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old have been charged in connection with a deadly carjacking spree that spanned several Chicago neighborhoods earlier this month, resulting in two murders and multiple other carjackings, police said.

Why it matters

Carjackings and violent crime have been on the rise in Chicago, raising concerns about public safety and the need for more effective crime prevention and intervention strategies.

The details

According to police, the suspects - Marquese Hill, 18, and a 17-year-old boy - allegedly carried out a series of crimes on February 11th, starting with a carjacking and fatal shooting in the Lakeview neighborhood. They then allegedly shot and killed another man in the Oakland neighborhood less than an hour later. The suspects are also accused of attempting to carjack a 70-year-old man in Fuller Park and successfully carjacking a 38-year-old man in West Chatham. Hill is additionally charged in connection with a January 10th carjacking in West Rogers Park.

  • Around 4 a.m. on February 11, the suspects allegedly carjacked and fatally shot a man in Lakeview.
  • Less than an hour later on February 11, the suspects allegedly shot and killed another man in Oakland.
  • On January 10, Hill is also charged in connection with a carjacking in West Rogers Park around 4 a.m.

The players

Marquese Hill

An 18-year-old Chicago man charged with first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking, among other charges.

17-year-old boy

A juvenile charged along with Hill in connection with the deadly carjacking spree.

Darwin Tirado

A 22-year-old man who was fatally shot during the carjacking in Lakeview.

Damon Kellum

A 45-year-old man who was shot and killed by the suspects in Oakland.

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What’s next

Hill is due in court on Saturday for a hearing. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of the suspects' alleged crimes.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing carjackings and violent crime in Chicago, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to improve public safety and prevent such tragedies from occurring.