Thousands Of Chicago Shooting Survivors Carry Physical, Emotional Scars

More than 760 people were shot and killed in Chicago in 2020, making it one of the deadliest years in decades.

By Meha Ahmad
Physical wounds on hands
Physicians say the physical trauma bullets inflict on a human body is unique. Joseph Russell of North Lawndale was shot seven times and lost a finger during the violent incident. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ
Physical wounds on hands
Physicians say the physical trauma bullets inflict on a human body is unique. Joseph Russell of North Lawndale was shot seven times and lost a finger during the violent incident. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ

Thousands Of Chicago Shooting Survivors Carry Physical, Emotional Scars

More than 760 people were shot and killed in Chicago in 2020, making it one of the deadliest years in decades.

By Meha Ahmad
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About 50,000 people in Chicago have been wounded by gunfire in the last two decades. Some move on and thrive. Some struggle in the shadows. But all are marked for life.

A few of those stories are featured in a new WBEZ series “Those Who Did Not Die: Survivors Of Chicago’s Gun Violence Epidemic.” Reset brings on criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith to learn more.

GUEST: Patrick Smith, WBEZ criminal justice reporter