Police said a gunman in a gray SUV opened fire on the rideshare vehicle in East Garfield Park.
CHICAGO, Ill. — An Uber driver and an 18-year-old passenger were killed Thursday night when someone in a gray SUV fired into their vehicle on the West Side, Chicago police said.
The shooting killed Jassen Cho, 38, and Damarion Johnson, 18, in the 200 block of North Homan Avenue. Police said no one was in custody as of Monday. The case has drawn attention from Johnson’s school, a youth basketball program and Cho’s friends, who described two lives cut short during an ordinary ride.
Police said the shooting happened about 8:27 p.m. Thursday as Cho drove Johnson through East Garfield Park. A gray SUV pulled alongside the vehicle, and someone inside opened fire before fleeing. Johnson was shot multiple times. Cho was struck in the arm. Both were taken to hospitals, where they were pronounced dead. An Uber spokesperson said the company was grieving with the victims’ families. “There are no words to describe this tragic loss of life,” the spokesperson said, adding that Uber was supporting police in the investigation.
Johnson was a senior at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep in the Austin neighborhood and played basketball. The school said its community was grieving and made counselors available to students and staff. People close to Johnson said he was riding home after basketball when he was killed. McKinley Nelson, founder of Project sWISH Chicago, said Johnson was known as “DJ” and loved the sport. Nelson said the teen was “super bright,” “super athletic” and “super competitive.” Police have not said whether either victim was targeted, and the motive remains unknown.
Cho, a Chicago resident, worked in finance and drove for Uber as a side job, according to people who knew him. Friends said he graduated from DePaul University, grew up in the northwest suburbs and had recently started a new chapter in his life. Johnnie Ulrich, a longtime friend, described Cho as adventurous and caring. “He was just an adventurer and really made the most of life,” Ulrich said. Friends said Cho volunteered, traveled, climbed mountains and cared deeply for his mother and girlfriend.
The killings added another loss for Project sWISH Chicago, a basketball program tied to anti-violence work for young people. The group held a vigil and balloon release for Johnson at Homan Square Park over the weekend. Members gathered on a basketball court to honor him with shots, memories and prayers. Johnson’s mother, Candace Johnson, said her son spent much of his time in gyms and hoped basketball would change his family’s future. The mayor’s office agreed to help pay for Johnson’s funeral expenses, according to people close to the family.
Investigators were still searching for the shooter and the vehicle involved. A police report cited by local outlets said a Hyundai Tucson linked to the shooting was later found burned nearby, but police had not announced arrests. Cook County Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Cho’s funeral was expected Friday, while Johnson’s school and basketball community continued planning memorials. Police said Area Four detectives were handling the case.
The investigation remained open Monday, with no suspects in custody and no public explanation for the attack. The next major step is expected from police if detectives identify a suspect, recover more video or announce charges.
Author note: Last updated May 12, 2026.