Police, clergy ask witnesses to come forward

June 25, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Officials are turning to the public for help in the murder of 9-year-old Chastity Turner.

Two people of interest are talking to police, but no charges have been filed.

The girl was gunned down Wednesday night while washing her dog outside her South Side home. Her father and two other men were wounded in the drive-by shooting. The three men are expected to survive.

Chastity is the 40th Chicago Public Schools student killed in violence during the past school year.

Police and community leaders, led by Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church, are asking witnesses to come forward in the case. The shooting took place just before 7 p.m. Wednesday in the 7400-block of South Stewart.

"Silence to protect criminals is always wrong and evil," said Fr. Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina Catholic Church.

"We're interviewing a lot of people right now. We got some very good leads. I would like to thank everybody in the city of Englewood for reaching out. They were good citizens. We got great witnesses. And that case is moving along very favorable," said Supt. Jody Weis, Chicago Police Dept.

Her family members are also calling for those with information to come forward.

"She was over here playing with her dog. Her other little sisters were scared, so she was over here playing with the dog," said Dene Edwards, grandmother

"She was just saying that she was going to go to her auntie's house (because there were) a lot of shooting over here and she didn't want to be involved. And one day later, she was told to go over there and never made it," said Dorothy Connor, cousin

"I hope this is a lesson. You know what I'm saying? Little innocent kids getting hurt for no reason. And I guarantee you, I bet this is over something stupid. Very stupid," said Dana Turner, uncle.

After the shooting, residents said there had been another incident of gunfire on the same block the night before. Police said there have been two shootings in this year alone. Neither was fatal.

Police cameras are located on both ends of the block. It's not clear if they will be helpful in the investigation.

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