2023-12-23 23:38:52
JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Freshman Michigan State University basketball player Jeremy Fears Jr. was shot in his hometown in Chicago’s southern suburbs overnight, MSU Athletics said in a statement.
MSU Athletics said Fears, 18, suffered non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to the leg during the late Friday night or early Saturday morning hours in the Joliet area.
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Joliet police said officers responded just before 3:45 a.m. to the 300 block of St. Jude Avenue, where they found two people who had been shot.
A 19-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to her pelvis, and an 18-year-old man was shot in his left thigh, police said.
Police said preliminary information indicates that the victims were inside a home with other people when a suspect, identified only as male, came in with a gun. He then opened fire, striking the victims.
Both shooting victims were transported to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo said Fears underwent surgery and is recovering.
Fears posted a photo to his Instagram story, showing him in the hospital, referencing a minor setback and thanking fans for their support.
“Jeremy underwent surgery this morning and is resting comfortably. While there is much we still don’t know, my focus is supporting Jeremy on his road to recovery,” Izzo said in statement.
Police said officers searched the area, but did not find the suspect. Officers are still working to determine the motive and intended target of the shooting.
Fears is from Joliet, and the shooting happened while the team is on holiday break, MSU Athletics said. The freshman had a career-high 10 assists in the Spartans’ 99-55 win over Stony Brook on Thursday, before the team’s break started.
Police asked anyone with information to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020, the Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at if they wish to remain anonymous.
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