Illinois State Police Issue Emergency Alert Following Child Abduction
An Amber Alert has been issued for Tristan Gaters, an 8-year-old boy who went missing after a fatal stabbing in a South Side alley. The Illinois State Police activated the alert in the early hours of Friday, February 21, 2025, following a tragic incident that took place the night before.
Incident Overview
- Date and Time: Thursday, February 20, 2025, at approximately 6:55 p.m.
- Location: 7100 block of South Eberhart Avenue, Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, Chicago.
- Victim: A 33-year-old woman (name not released), fatally stabbed inside her home.
According to Cook County prosecutors, the victim was attacked by an unknown assailant inside her residence. She suffered multiple stab wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet publicly identified her.
Details of the Amber Alert
Authorities report that Tristan Gaters was abducted from the same location following the stabbing.
- Description of the Missing Child:
- Name: Tristan Gaters
- Age: 8 years old
- Race: Black male
- Height & Weight: 5 feet tall, 90 pounds
- Hair & Eye Color: Black hair, brown eyes
- Last Seen: Thursday, February 20, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m.
- Suspect Information:
- Name: Marcus Bausley
- Age: 39 years old
- Race: Black male
- Physical Description: Brown hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 215 pounds
- Vehicle Description:
- Make & Model: Silver Ford Escape
- License Plate: Illinois DS34604
Authorities’ Appeal for Public Assistance
The Illinois State Police urge anyone with information on Tristan’s whereabouts or the suspect’s location to call 911 or contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-747-8380. Authorities emphasize that public assistance is critical in safely locating and rescuing the child.
Community Response and Concern
The Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood has been deeply affected by the incident. Local residents describe Tristan as a beloved child in the community. Many neighbors recall hearing gunfire earlier in the year, adding to concerns about safety in the area.
Community organizations are working closely with law enforcement to spread awareness and support the ongoing investigation.
Safety Measures for Residents
Authorities urge all residents to:
- Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
- Stay informed about updates related to the Amber Alert.
- Cooperate with law enforcement to assist in locating the missing child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Amber Alert?
An Amber Alert is an emergency broadcast issued in child abduction cases, urging the public to help locate the child and the suspect.
Who is the suspect in this case?
The primary suspect is 39-year-old Marcus Bausley, who is believed to have abducted Tristan Gaters following the deadly stabbing.
How can the public assist in the search?
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-747-8380.
What vehicle should people be watching for?
Authorities are searching for a silver Ford Escape with Illinois license plate DS34604.
Is there a known motive for the crime?
The motive remains unclear, and authorities have not released further details.
If you have any information that could help locate Tristan Gaters, your vigilance and prompt action could help bring him back safely. Stay updated on this developing story by following local news outlets.
