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Romane D. Taylor Jr.

Age 17

Homewood, Illinois

Intelligent and playful, beloved by buddies

The Chicago Heights teen was “goofy” but “smart.” He was “outgoing” but “protective.” He was “lovable.”

The Homewood-Flossmoore High School student had a lot of nicknames: “Roro,” “Yaya,” “Lil Ro” and “Budda Man.” Online, his friends weren’t shy about how much they cared for him.

Romane D. Taylor, Jr. 17, was shot on September 2, 2018, in Homewood, Illinois, during an alleged robbery attempt. He was taken by police to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and died later that night. His school made counselors available to grieving students after his death.

By Elena Eisenstadt · Age 16
Meet the Reporters

More than 200 friends

Clinton Howell

A daily trip that turned deadly

Kameron Porter

Domestic violence ends a stepson’s life

Saniyah Monee Nicholson

Funny faces and pigtails no longer

Jayvone J. Shackelford-Bishop

Friends together like Lilo & Stitch

Oliver Santos

Big smile stolen on Saturday night

Joel Keshon Green

An interrupted trail of Facebook photos

Xavier Montrail Thomas

Candles flicker against darkness for Zay

Floyd Chianti Davenport IV

“Baba stay woke...Baba stay woke!”

Delametric Djuan Fairley

Never got to make travel plans

Jacob Matthew Edwards

A survivor, full of heart. Gone.

Samuel Ozuna

Always respectful, loved by his friends

Katrina Marie Casarez

Sweet, musical memories with her boyfriend

Corey Donald II

He had just started barber school

Tyrese A. Jones

He was beloved at his school

Moltere Charles Jr.

#TGFAD — Thank God for another day

Fernando Perez

“What is it going to take?”

Kelvion’te A. Trammell

Engine still running, no life left

Kameron Johnson

He dreamed of college and cars

Unknown

Shot while walking down the street

Darryl Lamar Johnson

A family visit. He never left.