Students at an elementary school in violence-plagued Roseland know all too well about death, over the years detailing their worries in essays and documentaries.
“They truly are afraid for their lives,” said Chandra Byrd-Wright, principal at Dunne Elementary Math, Science and Technology Academy in Roseland. “This is their reality, and they wonder if they’re going to be next.”
Their fears came true Wednesday night when a bubbly student who graduated last year was shot in the head while playing on her block filled with parents and children. She underwent surgery to reduce swelling in her brain. Taccara Swain, 15, was walking with two cousins toward the two-flat home they share in the 11000 block of South Normal Avenue when shots rang out about 8 p.m., family said.
Bullets pierced homes, cars — and Taccara — as she reached down to carry her 2-year-old cousin home.
“I saw my cousin on the ground and I screamed,” said Cherrelle McCray, 18. “She was screaming and kicking in pain.”
Police say Taccara was caught in crossfire. At least two cars were driving on Normal when there was an exchange of gunfire.
“That block was known to be quiet and peaceful,” Calumet Area Lt. Anthony Carothers said of Normal Avenue. “It’s recently had some issues. … Whatever the catalyst is, I don’t know yet.”
Police are pulling video footage from nearby cameras. Police Supt. Jody Weis said Taccara was an innocent victim caught up in a possible gang feud.
“We don’t know that for sure,” Weis said. “It’s just that the [gunfire] is pretty consistent with what we’ve seen when there are two gangs maybe feuding with each other.”
The bullet that struck Taccara passed through her head, and two other shots grazed her neck and head, McCray said. After surgery Thursday, Taccara was transferred from intensive care at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn to a children’s unit.
Earlier on the day of the shooting, Taccara’s father bought her a used Chevrolet Monte Carlo in anticipation of her 16th birthday in November and obtaining a driver’s license.
A talkative girl who likes texting, boys and keeping her nails looking sharp, Taccara is supposed to start her sophomore year at Julian High School in a few weeks, McCray said.
Despite the shooting, families on the tight-knit block still plan a block party Saturday.
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VIOLENCE STOKES FEARS
Two doors from Taccara Swain’s house, Telisa Clark runs a day-care center from her home. She pointed out nearly a dozen bullet holes in her front siding left by the Wednesday night shooting. Two of her children were walking to a nearby store at the time. “She’s traumatized,” Clark said of her 13-year-old daughter, who stayed home Thursday from her year-round school.
