Two Charged in Deadly Chicago Crime Spree

Marquese Hill, 18, and 17-year-old accomplice accused of killing two, carjacking multiple victims across city

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Prosecutors allege that Marquese Hill, 18, and his 17-year-old accomplice went on a deadly crime spree in the early morning hours of February 11, killing two men during carjackings in the Boystown and Oakland neighborhoods of Chicago. The pair are also accused of additional carjackings and robberies across the city before their arrest.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime and carjackings in Chicago, which have seen a rise in recent years. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether the criminal justice system is doing enough to keep repeat offenders off the streets.

The details

According to prosecutors, Hill and the juvenile suspect traveled from Boystown to the Far South Side, killing 22-year-old Darwin Tirado during a carjacking attempt near Waveland and Broadway, and less than an hour later, murdering 45-year-old Damon Kellum in the Oakland neighborhood. The pair are also accused of attempting to carjack a 70-year-old man near 43rd and Wentworth, and successfully carjacking a 38-year-old CTA worker in the 8600 block of South Lafayette Avenue. Hill also faces charges for a carjacking in West Rogers Park on January 10, while he was out on pretrial release for a previous felony case.

  • The alleged crimes occurred in the early morning hours of February 11, 2026.
  • Roughly 36 hours before the alleged murder and hijacking spree, prosecutors had dropped a felony case against Hill stemming from a December 14 arrest in Skokie.

The players

Marquese Hill

An 18-year-old man who is accused of leading the deadly crime spree along with a 17-year-old accomplice. Hill had previously faced felony charges that were later dropped.

Darwin Tirado

A 22-year-old man who was killed during a carjacking attempt in the Boystown neighborhood.

Damon Kellum

A 45-year-old man who was murdered in the Oakland neighborhood, less than an hour after Tirado's killing.

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What they’re saying

“Roughly 36 hours before the alleged murder and hijacking spree began, prosecutors dropped a felony case Hill faced after Skokie police said they found him with three grams of crack cocaine while riding in a stolen car on December 14.”

— Prosecutors (cwbchicago.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Saturday whether to allow Marquese Hill to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces in addressing violent crime and carjackings, and the need for the criminal justice system to balance public safety with bail reform policies.