DeJohn Garrett Obituary, South Shore – In a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, 17-year-old DeJohn Garrett, an aspiring rapper known by his stage name “FatDrench,” was tragically shot and killed on the night of December 10, 2024. Garrett, whose undeniable musical talent had already made him a promising figure in his community, was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head early the following morning. His sudden death has left his family, friends, and fans devastated, and his loss is a painful reminder of the violence that continues to plague urban neighborhoods.
The shooting took place near the intersection of 80th Street and Colfax Avenue, in a quiet part of the South Shore neighborhood. A passerby discovered Garrett’s body in an alley at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, and promptly called 911. When Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers arrived on the scene, Garrett had already succumbed to his injuries. It is believed that the fatal gunshot occurred hours earlier, around 11:30 p.m. on December 10, based on witness reports and the nature of the crime.
Investigators are still piecing together the details of the incident, and no arrests have been made as of yet. Several 911 calls had been made earlier in the evening, reporting gunfire near the intersection of 79th Street and Yates Boulevard, not far from where Garrett was found. However, despite these reports, the CPD has not released further information about potential suspects or motives. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help solve the case.
DeJohn Garrett, as “FatDrench,” had built a strong following in his community, where his music resonated with those who saw in him a rising star. His lyrics often touched on the struggles of growing up in a neighborhood affected by violence and poverty, but they also carried a message of resilience and hope. Garrett’s authenticity and the raw emotion he poured into his music earned him the respect of both peers and fans, and many believed he was on the path to greater success.
Garrett’s sudden and violent death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His mother has publicly spoken about how his determination and passion for music kept him focused on his dreams despite the challenges he faced. To his family, Garrett was not just an artist but a loving son and brother who brought joy and laughter into their lives.
The South Shore community, along with fans of Garrett’s music, has expressed shock and sorrow over his untimely death. Social media has been flooded with tributes, and the hashtag #JusticeForFatDrench has emerged as a rallying cry for accountability. Supporters are calling for a thorough investigation, hoping that justice will be served for the young artist whose life was tragically cut short.
The death of DeJohn Garrett has also reignited debates about public safety and crime prevention in Chicago. The area where the shooting occurred was once monitored by the city’s ShotSpotter system, a controversial gunshot detection technology that had been deactivated as part of cost-saving measures. Many critics argue that had the system still been operational, authorities might have responded more quickly to the gunfire reports and possibly prevented Garrett’s death.
As the investigation continues, the grief felt by Garrett’s family, friends, and fans is profound. The senseless loss of such a young life, filled with talent and promise, has left the South Shore community in mourning. For now, his loved ones hold onto the memories of a bright, charismatic young man with a deep love for music and an unwavering drive to succeed.
The tragic death of DeJohn “FatDrench” Garrett serves as a painful reminder of the violence that continues to affect so many urban neighborhoods. As his family and community seek justice, they also remember Garrett for the light he brought into their lives and the hope he carried through his music. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his story will continue to inspire long after his passing.