Bolingbrook, Illinois — Community in Mourning After Fatal Shooting Claims Life of 17-Year-Old Daniel Starks

A somber cloud hangs over the village of Bolingbrook, Illinois, following a heartbreaking act of violence that ended the life of a local teenager. On the night of Tuesday, April 15, 2025, what began as an ordinary evening quickly descended into tragedy when gunfire erupted in a quiet residential area, cutting short the life of 17-year-old Daniel Starks.

According to a statement released by the Bolingbrook Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Grove Court shortly before 11 p.m. after receiving multiple calls reporting gunshots in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Daniel Starks lying outside with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel provided immediate aid, but despite their best efforts, Starks was pronounced dead at the scene.

The teen’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. Friends and neighbors have described Daniel as a respectful, kind-hearted young man with a bright future ahead. “He always had a smile on his face,” said one local resident. “He wasn’t involved in trouble. He was just a good kid.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the shooting. As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Bolingbrook Police, along with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, are canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance footage, and following up on leads.

“Any loss of life is tragic, but the loss of a young person in such a senseless manner is especially painful,” said Bolingbrook Police Chief Mike Rompa during a brief press conference. “We are committed to finding the individual or individuals responsible and bringing them to justice.”

The Will County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim as Daniel Starks, a Bolingbrook resident and student at a nearby high school. Grief counselors have been made available to students and faculty as the school community processes the loss.

Local leaders and community organizations are responding by calling for unity and peace. A vigil is being planned to honor Daniel’s life and provide a space for collective mourning. “This should never happen to any child, anywhere,” said one community advocate. “We must come together to support one another and find ways to stop this violence.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bolingbrook Police Department’s Investigations Division at (630) 226-8620 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

As Bolingbrook mourns the loss of one of its own, residents are left with unanswered questions and heavy hearts. Daniel Starks was more than just a name in a headline — he was a son, a friend, a student, and a member of the community whose potential will never be fully realized.