'These kids don't expect to lead a full life': Fears for Chicago teens as fatal shootings in city outnumber US troops killed in Afghanistan



A funeral director in Chicago has revealed how young people in the city do not expect to live late into adult life, as the number of fatal shootings continues to surge.

The worrying revelation by Spencer Leak, Sr. came as it emerged that more people have been shot dead on the streets of Chicago this year than U.S. troops have been killed in Afghanistan.

'These kids don’t expect to live a full life,' said Leak, who carries out more than 125 funerals a year for homicide victims, many of whom are young adults and teenagers.

Fearful: Chicago funeral director Spencer Leak, Sr. (left) said he buries 125 homicide victims - including teenagers - every year. Pastor Corey Brooks (right) is working with youths to improve their futures



Deadly: At least 240 people have been shot dead in Chicago since January compared to the 144 U.S. troops killed while on duty in Afghanistan in the same time period

'You get about a thousand other kids who come to these funerals,' he told NBC . 'They see how it's celebrated and they think this is how I’ll be celebrated when I get shot.'

Since the start of the year, 144 U.S. soldiers have been killed on duty in Afghanistan, while at least 240 people have been shot dead in Chicago.

Over the course of the war since 2001, around 2,000 U.S. troops have died in Afghanistan compared to the 5,000 gunfire victims in the Illinois city.



Last weekend seven people were killed and 35 injured, while the weekend before eight were killed and 46 sustained injuries.

Young victims: Six-year-old Aliyah Shell (left), was shot dead on her porch in March this year. Joseph Briggs, 16, (right) was also killed outside his home earlier this month when gang gunfire broke out



Latest victim: Tiffany Edwards, 25, was shot dead in a friend's van as they left a gas station last weekend

Overall, homicides have increased by 35 per cent compared to last year, while crime across the nation has decreased for the fifth year in a row, according to data from the FBI.

One recent victim was six-year-old Aliyah Shell who suffered multiple gunshot wounds as she sat on the porch of her family's house in Little Village.

BY NUMBERS: CHICAGO SHOOTINGS

240 People shot dead in Chicago this year

144 U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan this year

5,000 People shot dead in Chicago since 2001 2,000 Troops killed in Afghanistan since 2001 7 People shot dead in Chicago last weekend 35 People injured in shootings in Chicago last weekend

35 Percentage increase in homicides in Chicago since last year 4 Times more the number of homicides in Chicago compared to New York



A pickup truck had pulled up outside the house and opened fire on the girl, her mother, younger sister and a man. Police found the truck and arrested the two men inside, known gang members.



Chicago's murder rate is currently four times that of New York's and double that in Los Angeles.

'It’s a sad indictment on us,' Leak told NBC. 'I’m talking to at least two-to-three mothers a week whose kids were killed in the streets of Chicago, and I’m just one funeral director.'

He added that young people need to be encouraged to attend church. 'We’ve got to preach to kids and try to show them what they’re doing is wrong,' he said.

Pastor Corey Brooks, who is working to educate youths about their options for the future, added: 'It’s more than just a gang situation. It’s much bigger than that.

'You have one of the most economically hit areas, in unemployment. You have a bunch of different social ills, no spirituality whatsoever. And violence is the result.'

In mourning: Leak said he carries out scores of funerals each year, like that pictured, for young people and teenagers who are the victims of fatal shootings

Plans: Mayor Rahm Emanuel (with Helen Hallom whose nephew was shot dead) announced plans to crack down on crime, including targeting liquor stores where gangs hang out

He said members of his New Beginnings church walk through the streets in Woodlawn, Chicago every Friday and Saturday night and there have been no shootings since.

'We need all hands on deck. We need all of the compassionate people we can get to get their hands on this issue,' he said.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel three weeks ago announced plans for combating street violence, including targeting liquour and convenience stores used by gang members as hangouts.