Many members of the Monmouth College community were shocked and saddened by news of the death of a former Monmouth College student, 21-year-old Jason Riley, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2007 in Chicago. 

While exiting his vehicle in Englewood on Chicago’s South Side, gunshots were fired at close range, striking Riley in the back. Riley entered the nearby King Kong Chinese Chop Suey restaurant, asked those inside to call the police and then collapsed. He was declared dead at the scene by authorities. A source close to Riley has claimed that no suspect is currently in custody and police suspect the incident is gang related.

Known on campus for his immense musical talents, Riley left the College at the end his junior year in spring 2007, in order to pursue a career in music in the city. His rap group, La Gutta Familia, had been signed to a record label and had planned for a promotional tour to begin this past October. After the group split apart, Riley ventured forward in the music world as a solo artist, eventually producing two underground CDs. Riley had also recently become engaged to Whitney Sangster, another former Monmouth College student and long-time romantic partner.

During his enrollment at Monmouth College, Riley was a communication and theater arts major and was involved in such co-curricular activities as La Raza and the Coalition for Ethnic Awareness (CEA).

Despite his unfortunate passing, the spirit of his art and his endearing character seems to live on in the hearts and minds of those who remember him best. Benita Dilley, associate professor of communication and theater arts and Riley’s former academic advisor, stated, “[Jason] was an intensely intelligent, honorable man, whose potential was limitless. He excelled in assignments that allowed him to practice professional communication skills…but [he] still had time to make me laugh...”

Dejuan Listenbee, a Monmouth College senior and close companion of Riley, remarked, “To everyone that knew Jason, he was more than just a person. He was a smile that would brighten your day. He was a person that would show love to everyone.” Nicole Lynch, a Monmouth College junior and another friend to Riley, commented, “He was an all-around great guy…I do think he’s still here, though. He’s not with me physically, but he is watching over me.”

Currently, two online Facebook memorial groups have been created, entitled “R.I.P. JASON ‘J.RILES’ RILEY WE ALL LOVE YOU” and “BORN A STAR ALWAYS A STAR…jRILES,” the latter of which is geared specifically toward Monmouth College-affiliated individuals registered with Facebook.

The College has agreed to fund a trip by College mini-van, this Saturday, December 8, 2007, to Riley’s wake and funeral, to be held in Chicago at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively. These services will be conducted at the True Zion Spiritual Church at 6915 S. Wentworth Avenue, with the final resting place at Lincoln Cemetery at 12300 S. Kedzie. Those interested in attending the trip (which is tentatively scheduled to depart at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday) should contact Dilley via email (bdilley @monm.edu) as soon as possible in order to reserve their spot.

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