Island Noir: Beyond the Palm Trees
Island Noir Podcast, hosted by Nya Starr, dives into impactful crimes affecting marginalized people around the world—past and present. Every episode honors the victims, uncovers truth, and amplifies resilience.
Unseen victims. Untold truths. Uncovered resilience.
Island Noir: Beyond the Palm Trees
Inaugural Dreams, Chicago’s Sorrow
Just days after marching in Obama’s inauguration, 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed in a park near his home—an unintended victim of gang violence in Chicago. Her story shows how innocent lives are caught in the crossfire of gang rivalries while highlighting how her legacy sparked nationwide activism against gun violence.
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She stood in the crowd. A part of history as the world listened to words of hope and progress. The echoes of a powerful speech faded into the applause, but in the blink of an eye a moment of celebration turned into one of sorrow.
Nya starr:Warning this podcast explores true crime cases and may include descriptions of violence and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. At just 15 years old, she captured the nation's attention performing at President Obama's second inauguration, but only days later her life was cut short, leaving her community shattered. The tragic story of Hadiya Pendleton, the events that led to her death, the impact on her family, and how this tragedy became a sobering reflection of the violence so many young lives face Stay with me as we dive deeper into this story where the hope of a promising young life is honored but ended with the echoes of gunfire in the streets. I'm your host, nia, and this is Island Noir Beyond the Palm Trees. Born on June 2, 1997, in Cook County, illinois, Hadiya grew up in a loving, close-knit family, with her parents, nathaniel and Cleopatra Cowley Pendleton, and her younger brother, nathaniel Jr. Her parents worked hard to provide for her with the opportunities they had and experienced themselves. As most parents do, they enrolled her in various activities that would nurture her talents and build her confidence. From a young age, Hadiya was full of life, with a smile that could light up any room. Friends and family often described her as a joyful, outgoing and determined to succeed. Hadiya was a bright and dedicated honor student at King College Prep High School. Academics were very important to her, but she was more than just a scholar. Hadiya loved music and dance and was proud majorette in her school's band, performing at major events, including President Barack Obama's second inauguration. It was a moment of immense pride for Hadiya and her family. She was also an athlete, playing volleyball, and an active member of her church, where she participated in the dance ministry. Her involvement in these activities obviously reflects her vibrant personality and her deep love for her community. Those who knew Hadiya described her as compassionate and kind-hearted. She was a leader amongst her peers, always ready to offer encouragement or a shoulder to lean on. Her infectious laughter and love for life left an impression on everyone she met, whether she was hanging out with her friends, going for ice cream or simply enjoying the everyday joys of being a teenager, or simply enjoying the everyday joys of being a teenager.
Nya starr:Despite growing up in a city marked by violence, Hadiya remained optimistic about her future. Her family supported her dreams. She thrived in school, music, dance and sports. She embraced life fully. Her vibrant energy and kindness made her a beacon of hope in a city often overshadowed by violence. But tragically, her bright future was stolen on an ordinary day, doing something as simple as hanging out with friends after school. Simple as hanging out with friends after school.
Nya starr:On Tuesday, january 29, 2013, 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton and about a dozen of her friends were at Harsh Park in Kenwood, chicago, not too far from former President Obama's family home. They had just finished their final exams and were relaxing in the park on the city's south side when it started to rain, the group took shelter under a canopy. One of Hadiya friends, kaylin Jones, later recounted what happened. She said she had been looking down at her phone when she saw a man jump the fence. He ran towards the group and, without warning, began shooting. After firing the shots, the man jumped into a waiting vehicle and fled the scene. According to police reports, 17-year-old Lawrence Sellers and Sebastian Moore were both injured in the shooting, one in the leg and was later reported to be in good condition, and the other suffered a graze. But Hadiya was shot once in the back as she fled. But Hadiya was shot once in the back as she fled. In those frantic moments, her friends did everything they could to help. One of them cradled Hadiya head in her lap while they waited for the ambulance. Kaylin held her hand trying to comfort her. They truly believed she would pull through, but less than an hour Hadiya Pendleton was pronounced deceased at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. She was just 15 years old.
Nya starr:Chicago has long struggled with devastating levels of violence, particularly gun violence, tied to gang activity. By January 31, 2013, just one month into the new year, Hadiya had already become the 42nd victim of homicide in the city. To put it into perspective, in 2013, there were a total of 431 homicides reported in Chicago that year. According to the Chicago Police Department's ClearMap system, a platform designed to increase transparency and public awareness of criminal activity, there were 94 violent crimes reported in the Kenwood neighborhood alone. In present day, the city as a whole experienced an alarming 27,042 violent crimes. Why such a staggering level of violence? Gang activity has consistently been one of the primary drivers. A report from Illinois Policy Institute highlights how gang-related violence was the most common motive identified in Chicago homicides. The heartbreaking part is that just four years before her life was taken, Hadiya had appeared in an anti-gang video. In the video, she urged her peers to steer clear of gangs and choose a better path.
Speaker 3:Let's take a moment to hear Hadiya in her own words. Hi, my name is Haidea. This commercial is informational for you and your future children. Hi, my name is Amari. I will be speaking about safety of our people. So many children out there are in gangs and it is your job as students to say no to gangs and yes to a great future. So many children in the world have died from gang violence. More than 500 children have died from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Nya starr:So think smart, but joining the gang isn't a part of it.
Nya starr:Noir Seekers. You're probably asking what happened in the days following that devastating afternoon in the park, but before I dive into the investigation and the pursuit of justice, I want us to reflect on the outpouring of grief and love at Hadiya funeral, a moment that underscored the deep impact of her loss In the days following her death. Her loss In the days following her death. King College Prep was filled with a sea of purple and red Purple her favorite color, red symbolized the gun violence that claimed her life. Hadiya was remembered not just by her friends and teachers, but by the entire city of Chicago by her friends and teachers, but by the entire city of Chicago. Her tragic death reignited the national conversation on gun control, adding fuel to a growing debate over firearms. On Saturday, february 9, hundreds of mourners packed into a Southside church to honor her life. Among those in the attendance were former First Lady Michelle Obama, governor Patrick Quinn and other prominent officials. Before the service, michelle Obama met privately with Hadiya's family, as well as other 30 of her friends and classmates, offering them words of comfort in their grief. During the funeral, reverend Courtney shared she was not too young to leave a mark and impact her friends, her family and even now the nation. Damon Stewart Hadiya godfather. Damon Stewart Hadiya godfather voiced frustration with lawmakers, urging them to stop playing politics with gun violence and instead think of it personally. Hadiya mother, leopatra Cowley, bravely addressed the congregation. Her voice carried both strength and heartbreak. As she said, you don't know how hard this really is, and to those of you who do know, I am sorry. Hadiya was laid to rest surrounded by loved ones, friends and advocates calling for change. Her funeral was not just a farewell but a powerful call to action against a violence that continues to plague our young children. With her family and community in mourning, attention soon turned to finding those responsible for the shooting.
Nya starr:Two days after the murder of Hadiya, the Chicago police announced they were receiving tips they hoped would lead to the arrest of the gunman who had targeted the group of high school students enjoying a carefree afternoon. At the time, police had no leads on the shooter's identity, but a critical break came when witnesses described the getaway car. That description matched a vehicle involved in a traffic stop just days before the killing. Through the lead and interviews, detectives identified two suspects Michael Ward, who was then 18, and Kenneth Williams, who was 20, reputed members of the Suul gang. On the night of Hadiya's funeral, police arrested the pair as they were heading to a suburban strip club to celebrate a friend's birthday. Suburban strip club to celebrate a friend's birthday. Ward surrendered without struggle, but Williams attempted to flee before being apprehended.
Nya starr:According to police superintendent Gary McCarthy, ward confessed to the shooting. He explained that he and Williams had been looking for members of a rival gang, the 4-6 Terror Gang, and retaliation for prior shooting that left Williams injured. Tragically, they mistook Hadiya's group as their target. Ward told police that as he and Williams drove through Harsh Park and Ward's mother's car, they spotted the group under the canopy. Both men got out, crept closer and started opening fire. Ward admitted to detectives that Hadiya was not the intended target. He said she was just there, acknowledging she had nothing to do with it. In his own words, the reality was devastating. Hadiya and her friends were not gang members. They were bright, upstanding students with promising futures. Yet this senseless act of violence left lasting scars. Denetria Hudson, who held Hadiya in her arms after she was shot, would later share how she and the others in the group have struggled with nightmares and the fear of returning to parks.
Nya starr:The investigation revealed that just two days before the killing, police had stopped Ward as part of a routine gang investigation. His car was a Nissan Sentra. It became a key lead when it matched witness descriptions from the scene of the shooting. Ward was already on probation for unlawful use of a firearm and had been sentenced to two years probation in January 2012, but he remained free, and 12 days after the shooting, both Ward and Williams were charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. Superintendent McCarthy expressed his frustration, saying that this incident didn't have to occur. If mandatory minimum existed in Illinois, michael Ward would not have been able to be on the street to commit this heinous act. Mccarthy's point about mandatory minimum sentences raises an important conversation about accountability in gang-related crimes. It's heartbreaking to think how many innocent lives like Hadiya's are caught in the crossfire of gang violence.
Nya starr:With the suspects in custody, the focus shifted on the legal proceeding. The trial for Hadiya Pendleton's murder began on August 14, 2018, five years after her tragic death. Michael Ward and Kenneth Williams faced charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. Prosecutors argued that Williams acted as the getaway driver while Ward fired into the group of students at Harsh Park on January 29, 2013, mistakenly believed them to be rival gang members. Although the two were tried together, they had separate juries due to their differing defenses.
Nya starr:The prosecution's strongest piece of evidence was Ward's videotaped confession. It was recorded during the interrogation of February 10, 2013. In it, ward admitted to the shooting, explaining how Williams instructed him to target rival gang members. Ward detailed how they drove to the park, approached a group, opened fire and fled the scene. At one point, a detective asked how many shots did he fire? Six, ward replied. However, the defense argued that Ward's confession was coarse. They suggested detectives fed Ward details about the shooting, which he then repeated in his statements. During opening arguments, the defense claimed Ward's confession simply echoed what police told him, casting doubt on the validity of the video Outside of eyewitness account.
Nya starr:Hadiya loved ones took the stand to share her story. Among them was her mother, cleopatra Cowley, who recounted the moment she learned of her daughter's shooting. Cleopatra described the confusion of the initial phone call and how an officer assured her that Hadiya was still alive but couldn't let her speak to her. When asked if she was ever able to speak with Hadiya again, cleopatra simply replied no. Her emotional testimony left the courtroom silent, with her family visibly overcome by grief. Their words painted a heartbreaking picture of the loss Hadiya death brought to those who knew and loved her Defense attorney, julie Kohler, questioned the thoroughness of the police investigation, highlighting the lack of physical evidence linking Ward and Williams to the shooting.
Nya starr:No gun, gunshot residue, fingerprints or DNA was found. Kohler also pointed to security footage showing another individual matching eyewitness description, yet police did not include this person in their photo lineups. Prosecutors focus on the white Nissan seen fleeing the scene. Sergeant Velma Guerrero testified that the car led police to Ward and Williams. She explained that the shooting took place in 4-6 terror gang territory and the getaway car headed towards Sioux turf, prompting detectives to focus on the Sioux gang. Feud. Guerrero noted that while police investigated other tips, all evidence eventually pointed back to Ward and Williams. A forensic scientist testified that gunshot residue tests on the white Nissan came back negative. Gunshot residue tests on the white Nissan came back negative. However, she explained that factors like rain or the time elapsed between the shooting and the sample collection could have contributed to the results.
Nya starr:Despite the defense's challenges, the prosecution presented key eyewitness testimony. Former King College prep student Stephen Abdul identified Ward as the shooter. In court, when asked about his certainty, abdul confidently stated he was 100% sure. The trial revealed the complexities of seeking justice in gang-related crimes, with conflicting accounts, recanted testimonies and procedural questions surrounding the evidence. The prosecution leaned heavily on Ward's confession and eyewitness identification to build their case. Ward's confession and eyewitness identification to build their case. In August 2018, the jury found both defendants guilty.
Nya starr:Kenneth Williams was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated battery, while Michael Ward was found guilty of first-degree murder. Ward was sentenced to 84 years in prison in January 2019. Assistant State's Attorney Brian Holmes described him as a sociopath, emphasizing his lack of remorse. Ward, however, maintained his innocence, stating I'm going down for murder I didn't commit. Williams was sentenced to 42 years in prison in 2021. During sentencing, he addressed the Pendleton family with sympathy but continued to assert his innocence. Hadiya father, nate Pendleton, dismissed his remarks saying "'Just go do your time and we'll do ours'". At the sentencing, Hadiya mother, cleopatra, shared the family's grief, stating Hadiya is serving a death sentence and the whole family is doing life as a result of her death. Her brother, nathaniel Jr, expressed his guilt, adding. Jr expressed his guilt, adding I still haven't forgiven myself and I don't think I ever will.
Speaker 4:I think that's very sad for a child to think or say that it's unfortunate. I was feeling emotions I don't think I ever felt, and that's really happy, but ready to cry and crying really happy, but ready to cry and crying, and happy.
Speaker 2:It was celebratory because, you know, finally, after five and a half years, there's some level of closure to the routine that we used to have, and then there is someone that's held responsible. At the end of the day, we've all lost, right Our child's been buried and now their child's in the system.
Speaker 4:I'm really pleased with the outcome of the courts, but it is two young Black men whose lives are gone and it's in the system now and they're in the system and that's where they're going to be.
Nya starr:Hadiya's parents' words are a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact gun violence has, not only on its victims, but on the families left behind. In 2023, an Illinois appellate court overturned Michael Ward's conviction, citing violations of his right to remain silent during questioning. The court ruled that Ward's confession a key piece of evidence was invalid due to improper interrogation methods. As a result, a new trial was ordered. However, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office publicly disagreed with the decision, stating we stand behind the prosecution and are exploring all options to secure justice for Hadiya. This year marks 12 years since Hadiya life was tragically cut short, leaving her family and community forever changed. Yet her memory continues to inspire action and hope. Every year, Hadiya parents honor her with a massive celebration, transforming their grief into a platform for raising awareness about gun violence. Guests are encouraged to wear orange, a color symbolizing the fight against this epidemic. Hadiya friends also helped preserve her legacy by launching the Wear Orange campaign. What began as a tribute to Hadiya has grown into a nationwide movement embraced by organizations across the country to honor lives lost to senseless violence. Former President Obama highlighted Hadiya Pendleton's death during his 2013 State of the Union address, with her parents present as honored guests. Hadiya impact extends beyond activism and into art. In his song Janayla Forever, rapper Luke Fiasco imagined a world where Janayla Watkins, a six-month-old murdered in Chicago in 2013, grows up to be a doctor and befriends Hadiya, who becomes an artist.
Nya starr:This track highlights the potential stolen by gun violence, a theme tragically present in both of their stories. Being tragically present in both of their stories, Hadiya story is a reminder of the toll that gang violence takes not only on those directly involved, but also on innocent victims who are caught in the crossfire. As we close, I reflect on the resilience of those fighting to create a safe future for our youth. Hadiya's life and legacy continue to inspire movement for change. Let us remember Every statistic represents a life A a dream unrealized, a family grieving and a community struggling to heal. Noir Seekers. Thank you for tuning in to Island Noir Beyond the Palm Trees. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Instagram at Island Noir Podcast for updates. Until next time, keep seeking the truth beyond the shadows.
