Violent weekend that left 7 dead in Chicago highlights frustrations in combating gangs, guns

Antonio Brown, left, father of Amari Brown, is embraced by a community member, Monday, July 6, 2015, in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) (The Associated Press)

prev next

Amari Brown is seen in a photo with his father, Antonio Brown, Monday, July 6, 2015, at a memorial in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) (The Associated Press)

A memorial in honor of Amari Brown is seen, Monday, July 6, 2015, in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) (The Associated Press)

CHICAGO – A 7-year-old boy has become the latest reminder of Chicago's ongoing struggle to combat gun violence and the gangs that police say are responsible for so much of it.

After Amari Brown was shot to death Saturday night, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy told reporters that investigators believe the intended victim was the boy's father — a known gang member with a long history of arrests. He said Brown is not cooperating with detectives

He also said the boy would still be alive had Brown remained in custody after his arrest in April on a gun possession charge and not been able to post bail the next day.

Brown's family disputed McCarthy's contention that Brown was the intended victim and that he bears any responsibility for his son's death.