CALUMET CITY | A 22-year-old man, who police say was asked to leave a party of high school students last month, is accused of firing the shots that killed a 17-year-old standing outside.
Mario D. Sawyer, whose last known Calumet City address was along 155th Place just west of the state line, was charged Thursday with first-degree murder in the Nov. 17 shooting death of Thornton Fractional North High School student Samuel Rogers. The shooting happened outside the residence in the 1600 block of Shirley Drive.
Sawyer, who was arrested by 9th District Chicago police on Christmas Day for a traffic violation, is scheduled to appear today in Cook County court for a bond hearing, Calumet City police Detective Kevin Rapacz said during an afternoon news conference at the Police Department.
When arrested, Sawyer gave police an address in the 900 block of West 51st Street in Chicago. He has one felony conviction for a gun-related crime, Rapacz said, and also has ties to the 156 Boys street gang, which "claims" the area of Wentworth Avenue and 156th Street as their "territory."
Police said Sawyer was with four to six others who went to the gathering and were ultimately asked to leave. He drove off in a car before turning around at the end and driving back past the home.
Sawyer then left the car and began firing repeatedly and randomly, Rapacz said.
One of the bullets hit Rogers, a three-sport athlete and musician who is described as well liked by everyone. He was pronounced dead later that night at St. James Hospital and Health Centers in Olympia Fields from a gunshot wound to the head.
Police talked to the others in the Sawyer's group and determined he acted alone, Rapacz said.
Prior to charges being announced Thursday, police spoke with some of Rogers' family members.
"They're happy someone has been charged but the loss of their son is still more overwhelming," Rapacz said.
Some of Rogers classmates came to the police station Thursday and spoke to the media.
TF North senior Marcus Deloney, who played football with Rogers and found him after the shooting, said they are getting through the loss of the friend.
"I haven't gotten the crying out or anything," he said, adding he and others visit Rogers' parents as often as they can. "We try to let them know we're there for them."
Calumet City Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush credited the work of the city's Police Department and efforts of the community, which held a candlelight vigil and a memorial service in the days after the shooting.
"This horrible act took the life of a promising young man, loved by many, and this type of senseless violence will not be tolerated in our community," she said. "My heart and prayers continue to be with the Rogers family."
