Chicago teen charged in 2025 Austin shooting

Semaj Hampton, 19, faces attempted murder and aggravated battery charges

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:25am

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An extreme close-up of a spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a violent shooting incident.A stark, gritty image of physical evidence from a violent crime scene, highlighting the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Chicago neighborhoods.Chicago Today

A 19-year-old Chicago man, Semaj Hampton, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery in a March 2025 shooting in the city's Austin neighborhood. Police say Hampton shot and seriously injured a 25-year-old man in the 5300 block of W. Crystal Street. Hampton was arrested on Friday in Schiller Park and is scheduled for a detention hearing on Sunday.

Why it matters

Gun violence remains a major issue in Chicago, with the Austin neighborhood being one of the city's most crime-ridden areas. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and address the root causes of violence in the community.

The details

According to police, Semaj Hampton, 19, was identified as the suspect who shot and seriously injured a 25-year-old man in the 5300 block of W. Crystal Street on March 19, 2025. Hampton has been charged with one felony count of attempted first-degree murder and one felony count of aggravated battery. He was arrested on Friday in the 500 block of Express Center Drive in Schiller Park, Illinois.

  • The shooting incident occurred on March 19, 2025.
  • Hampton was arrested on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Hampton's detention hearing is scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Semaj Hampton

A 19-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery in a March 2025 shooting incident.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Hampton and charged him with the crimes.

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What’s next

Hampton's detention hearing is scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2026, where a judge will determine whether he should be held in custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Chicago, particularly in neighborhoods like Austin that have historically struggled with high crime rates. The case underscores the importance of law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend suspects, as well as the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of violence in the community.