'A Young Life Lost': Fundraiser For Funeral Of Boy, 13, Gunned Down In Joliet

JOLIET, IL —A total of $190 has been raised thanks to five donations toward the $10,000 GoFundMe fund-raising goal for the "Funeral Costs For A Young Life Lost RIP Manuel Mejia Perez."

Manuel became the city of Joliet's first homicide victim for 2025 when he was fatally shot in an alley on the southeast side of Joliet, near the 300 block of Desplaines Street, on Monday afternoon.

Manuel's killer got away before the Joliet police and Joliet Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene.

"13 year old boy shot to death in Joliet Illinois on June 2, 2025, family members needed for funeral costs and memorial set up will appreciate any help from donors family is mourning his loss and overwhelmed by this event," reads the GoFundMe established by Antonio Perez on behalf of the family.

The GoFundMe contains two photos showing Manuel. If you want to donate, here is the information about Manuel's GoFundMe.