Teen Survives Shooting in Chicago Neighborhood

15-year-old shares harrowing story of being shot three times while walking with cousin

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 15-year-old boy in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood was shot three times over the weekend while walking with his cousin to buy snacks. The teen, who did not want to use his last name, says he pushed his cousin out of the way when a gunman in a black SUV opened fire. He was rushed to the hospital and survived, with doctors telling him he must have had an "angel" watching over him. His mother is now seeking financial assistance to relocate the family, as the teen is afraid to return home.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to be a major issue in Chicago, with incidents of random shootings impacting young people and raising concerns about public safety. This story highlights the trauma experienced by victims and their families, as well as the need for solutions to address the root causes of this ongoing crisis.

The details

The 15-year-old victim, who goes by the first name Nehimiha, was walking with his cousin to a gas station when a black SUV pulled up and the occupants opened fire. Nehimiha pushed his cousin out of the way but was shot three times. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors told him he was lucky to have survived. His mother, Khianna Bronson, immediately applied pressure to his wounds and is now seeking help to relocate the family, as Nehimiha is afraid to return home.

  • The shooting occurred on Saturday night in the 6600 block of South Rhodes in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago.
  • Nehimiha spoke to NBC Chicago from his hospital bed about the incident.

The players

Nehimiha

A 15-year-old boy who was shot three times while walking with his cousin in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood.

Khianna Bronson

Nehimiha's mother, who immediately applied pressure to her son's wounds and is now seeking financial assistance to relocate the family.

Ja'Mal Green

A community activist and former mayoral candidate who connected with Nehimiha's family on Facebook and is pledging to help, including offering a reward for information.

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What they’re saying

“The doctor had told me to breathe and breathe and you're going to make it. He had said 'you must have an angel on your side because other people that had got shot in the abdomen died.'”

— Nehimiha (NBC Chicago)

“I'm kinda in disbelief talking about it now, still just like 'oh my God,' like having to replay that moment it's just scary and then knowing the killer is still out there.”

— Khianna Bronson, Nehimiha's mother (NBC Chicago)

“We're going to do everything that we can to help this family we're also going to put up a reward to lead to information on this as well. This should not be the reality of our young people and they shouldn't have to deal with this trauma.”

— Ja'Mal Green, Community activist and former mayoral candidate (NBC Chicago)

What’s next

Ja'Mal Green has pledged to help the family, including offering a reward for information about the shooting. The family has also started a GoFundMe to help with relocation and other immediate needs.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing gun violence crisis impacting young people in Chicago and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes and provide support for affected families. The resilience and determination of the victim and his family to move forward is inspiring, but more must be done to ensure the safety of all Chicago residents.