Nationwide — Demetrius Griffin Jr., an African American teen from Chicago, Illinois, was only 15 years old when firefighters found him burning inside a garbage can in a West Side alley. Ten years later, his murder remains unsolved, and his family is still searching for answers after years without meaningful updates from investigators.
Firefighters discovered Demetrius on September 16, 2016, near the 5500 block of West Cortez Street in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, just a block and a half from his home. The Cook County Medical Examiner determined that he was alive when the fire started. His aunt, Rochelle Sykes, continues to struggle with the brutality of his death and the unanswered questions surrounding his final moments. “Who would burn somebody alive? What could you possibly do to somebody that they would burn you alive?” she asked. She also said she still struggles with the thought that her nephew suffered and she could not help him.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, Sykes said Demetrius had walked a young girl partway toward her home on the evening he disappeared before heading back toward his own house. The girl reportedly shared that account with the family, but Sykes has questioned what happened afterward. She said she has not seen the girl since and still does not know what led to her nephew’s death. Before the killing, Demetrius was a high school freshman known for his big personality, hazel-brown eyes, and love for animals. Sykes remembers how he would ask her for two dollars, keeping one for himself and using the other to buy something for a dog. The memories offer a glimpse of the boy she lost, but they have not eased the pain of losing her only nephew.
The family’s efforts to get answers have also been met with years of limited communication from investigators. Sykes said she has not spoken with detectives in years and that she was the one contacting them for updates before the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago Alderman Emma Mitts, who has represented the city’s 37th Ward for 26 years, said the killing remains one of the most heartbreaking cases she remembers from her time in office. Mitts described the tragedy as devastating for Demetrius’ family and the Austin community. She stressed that no one deserves to die in such a horrific way and urged anyone with information to speak up. No suspects have been arrested or charged.
Although the case remains unsolved, the community continues to honor Demetrius. His face appears in the Sankofa Peace Window at New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where he grew up, attended Sunday school, and was baptized. The stained-glass memorial honors young people who lost their lives to violence. Rev. Marshall Hatch Jr. said children from the church helped choose those featured in the tribute, and Demetrius was a natural choice because he had grown up in the congregation. Near the alley where he died, a cross, a tree and a bench also stand in his memory. Sykes once placed a small book box nearby and filled it with books, gloves, and hats for neighborhood children. Although the box was eventually removed, she hopes to replace it. Seeing the supplies disappear brought her comfort because she believed children were receiving items they needed, allowing her nephew’s generosity to continue helping others.
Ten years after his killing, his family continues to seek justice and hopes someone will finally come forward with information. Hatch has urged anyone who knows what happened to speak up and help bring the family answers. Mitts has also called on the public to assist in the investigation. Despite the years of uncertainty, Demetrius remains remembered by his family, church, and neighborhood. Anyone with information about his Sept. 16, 2016, killing is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department.