Chicago, Illinois — On October 13, 1994, five-year-old Eric Morse was brutally murdered in the Ida B. Wells Housing Projects. Lured into a vacant apartment and dropped from a 14th-floor window by two older children, Eric’s death shocked the city and left a lasting mark on his family and community.
What Happened
Eric Morse, only five years old, was pressured by two older children — 11-year-old Tykeece Johnson and 10-year-old Jesse Rankins — to steal candy for them. When he refused, the boys decided to punish him in the most horrific way.
Eric and his eight-year-old brother, Derrick Lemon, were taken to a vacant apartment on the 14th floor of 3833 South Langley Avenue in the Ida B. Wells Housing Projects. There, Eric was dangled out of a window. Despite Derrick’s desperate pleas, the boys dropped Eric.
Derrick ran down 14 flights of stairs, finding his brother still alive but critically injured. Eric was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.
Legal Outcome
Both Tykeece Johnson and Jesse Rankins were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to five years in juvenile detention. Later, Jesse Rankins received an additional nine-year sentence for sexually assaulting another inmate.
Derrick Lemon, who witnessed the tragedy, later filed a $1 million lawsuit against the Chicago Housing Authority for failing to provide safe living conditions. Tragically, in 2006, Derrick himself was sentenced to 71 years in prison for killing his aunt’s boyfriend during a family dispute.
Legacy and Reflection
Eric Morse was only five years old. He never had the chance to grow up, go to school, or pursue his dreams. His death remains a stark reminder of the failures in protecting children in vulnerable environments and the devastating consequences of violence in urban communities.
Advocates continue to call for justice and accountability, highlighting systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy.
Public Call to Action
Anyone with information about overlooked details in Eric Morse’s case or systemic issues surrounding the incident is urged to speak out. Advocates emphasize that remembering Eric means holding accountable those responsible for the safety of children.
Closing Line
Thirty-one years later, Eric Morse’s story continues to resonate as a call for justice, awareness, and the protection of every child. His life, though tragically cut short, should never be forgotten.
