No bail in fatal gang shooting

A 17- year- old boy was ordered held without bail Thursday for a gang- related shooting that left one dead and two others wounded on the South Side over the summer.

Mahdi Herring, 19, and a 16- year- old boy were standing outside 71st Meat Market, at the corner of 71st and Rhodes, on the afternoon of Aug. 27 when someone who was aware of ongoing gang conflicts told them Jarvis Hayes and another person were approaching, Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Jamie Santini said.

Herring and the boy walked across the street to a porch of a residence. But Hayes and his friend kept approaching their rivals, taunt- ing them for walking away, Santini said.

The two groups started fighting, and soon Hayes threw a punch at the 16- yearold boy who was with Herring, Santini said.

Herring then stepped into the fight, Santini said. That’s when Hayes and his friend allegedly pulled out their guns and start firing.

Herring was shot in the back as he tried to flee, Santini said.

When Herring fell to the ground, Hayes’ friend, who has not yet been charged, shot Herring in the head, Santini said.

The 16- year- old who was with Herring was shot in the thigh, Santini said. A 34- year- old bystander was wounded in his upper back.

Hayes and his friend ran away. While the two other shooting victims survived, Herring died. Herring and Hayes were members of rival gangs, Santini said.

A witness identified Hayes as a shooter, Santini said.

Hayes, of the 600 block of East 88th, was arrested Wednesday while he was in gym class at his high school, an assistant public defender told Judge James Brown. He was charged as an adult.

When Santini mentioned that Hayes could possibly face life in prison if convicted, several of Hayes’ family and friends screamed and were escorted out of the courtroom by sheriff ’s deputies.

Rummana Hussain