A tragic case of mistaken identity has resulted in the death of a promising young student in Illinois. Davell Holden, a 16-year-old honor student and high school basketball player, was fatally shot in a Chicago suburb, an incident that local authorities have described as “sickening.”

According to Cook County prosecutors, the incident unfolded as Holden stood outside his girlfriend’s home in South Holland, waiting for a DoorDash delivery. It was then that three individuals, including a fellow teenager, allegedly arrived in a stolen vehicle and opened fire, mistaking Holden for someone else, as reported by local ABC affiliate WLS.

The three suspects identified by prosecutors include Javan Moore, 21, and Demon Smith, 20, along with a 16-year-old whose name remains undisclosed due to his age. The group allegedly intended to target another individual who previously lived on the same street as Holden and bore a similar appearance. Moore faces charges of first-degree murder after reportedly exiting the vehicle to shoot Holden, while the other two face felony murder charges.

Further investigation revealed incriminating evidence from the teenage suspect’s phone, which included photos and text messages suggesting an attempt to sell the firearm used in the crime. Authorities discovered the weapon during a search of the young suspect’s residence.

In a poignant press release, village officials expressed their dismay, stating, “Disgustingly, this is a case of mistaken identity. The victim, Davell Holden, happened to be visiting his girlfriend, who lived on the same street as the actual intended target. He closely resembled him in appearance. Now, an innocent and promising young man is gone.”

The arrests of the alleged shooters were announced at a press conference held Monday, during which the mayor and police chief both spoke highly of Holden, who was known locally for his play on the basketball court and excellence in school.

“Davell, at only 16-years-old, was an outstanding young man,” said South Holland Mayor Don De Graff. South Holland Police Chief Shawn Staples said, “He was an honor student. He was a member of his basketball team for our local high school. He was a great individual. So, when this crime took place, it hit home for everyone. Not just our residents, but for our police department and our police officers.”

Prosecutors say the suspects are members of a local gang known as 9 Block. The attack they were allegedly carrying out was supposed to be aimed at a rival of theirs.

“This was a tragic and sickening incident,” De Graff concluded. “[Holden] was an innocent victim … which really hurts.”

Village Administrator J. Wynsma added, “South Holland is a Community of Faith, Family, and Future. This type of heinous crime will never be tolerated here.”

Holden’s mother, Angela Birts, told reporters at Monday’s press conference that “this is not the way my son deserved to die.” She told local CBS affiliate WBBM back in August, “I just remember screaming, yelling, praying in the car on the way there. Like, Lord, please help my baby.”

The suspects were ordered held without bond over the weekend and are due back in court Tuesday, according to reports.