A 15-year-old boy was fatally shot early Wednesday morning at his home in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, authorities reported. The teen, identified as Lasiah Palmer, was found unconscious with a gunshot wound to the head on a third-floor patio shortly after 1 a.m.

Police responded to a 911 call in the 4600 block of West Jackson Boulevard and discovered Palmer bleeding. Paramedics transported him to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner’s office ruled the death a homicide, though the formal identification had not been released as of Thursday afternoon.

According to the initial investigation, Palmer had returned home with two friends after swimming at a nearby pool. After showering, he reportedly watched television in his mother’s bedroom. His mother arrived home shortly before 1 a.m. and found him injured on the porch. Witnesses told police they heard a loud bang and commotion one to two hours prior to the discovery.

Palmer was set to begin ninth grade at Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy next month, according to a spokesperson for Noble Schools. Family members described him as quiet and introverted but close to his mother and younger brother. He enjoyed sports and playing games, and was looking forward to starting high school.

His cousin, Billeka Palmer, stated that the family worked diligently to shield him from the violence prevalent in the Austin community, which has experienced 18 homicides so far this year. She emphasized that his mother took extensive measures to protect her sons and keep them away from street culture.

Palmer’s family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral and memorial costs. As of this week, the campaign had raised over $3,400. A relative described Palmer as a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend whose loss has deeply affected family and community members.

No further details have been released. Detectives from the Harrison Area (Area 4) continue to investigate the case.