South Holland, Illinois Mourns Teen Athlete Davell Antoine Holden III Shot During Weekend Incident
SOUTH HOLLAND, ILL. — The South Holland community has been rocked by tragedy after 16-year-old Davell Antoine Holden III, a Thornwood High School student-athlete, was shot and died while visiting a residential area. His family and friends are pleading for justice and answers as authorities continue their investigation.
Davell was discovered with gunshot injuries near a home on Drexel Avenue close to 160th Place on the evening of Saturday, August 2, 2025. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries soon after arriving.
Known as an honors student and standout on the school basketball team, Davell was preparing to begin his junior year. He was remembered by coaches, classmates, and peers as focused, dedicated, and full of promise with aspirations of playing basketball at the collegiate level (FOX 32 Chicago, CBS News).
In the days following his death, nearly 200 family members, classmates, and community supporters gathered for a candlelit vigil and balloon release at Thornwood High School. Tears, prayers, and heartfelt speeches marked the gathering, with friends wearing his #21 jersey in his honor (FOX 32 Chicago, NBC Chicago).
Davell’s mother described her son as loving and selfless, someone who always put others before himself. She shared her grief openly, expressing regret for the years they were denied together, and emphasized how much her son was respected and admired by those who knew him (ABC7 Chicago, NBC Chicago).
Friends recalled Davell as a young man with strong values—purity, honesty, and effort defined him. His closest companion urged others to channel their grief into meaningful reflection and action, saying “we have to be better…” as a tribute to his life (ABC7 Chicago, FOX 32 Chicago).
Investigators with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force are actively probing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are also offering a reward of up to $10,000 for credible information that leads to an arrest in the case (ABC7 Chicago, Village of South Holland).
Community leaders, including faith-based organizations such as St. Sabina Church, are coordinating efforts with the Village of South Holland to encourage residents to come forward. Anonymous reporting options have been established to promote safe disclosure of potential tips (ABC7 Chicago, Village of South Holland).
School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young life with so much untapped potential. Administrators encouraged students and faculty to lean on counseling services while reflecting on the broader impact of the loss on their community (ABC7 Chicago, NBC Chicago).
As the investigation continues, Davell’s family remains steadfast in seeking justice. They are urging anyone with video footage, witness statements, or local knowledge pertinent to the night of his death to contact authorities. Their hope is that this tragedy will not go unanswered.
Davell Antoine Holden III’s life may have ended too soon, but the outpouring of support, shared memories, and demands for justice speak to the profound mark he left. His community stands united in grief and determination, honoring a young life whose potential will forever be remembered.
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