Reports and video footage indicate that Albert was caught in a brawl between two factions of students at Christian Fenger Academy High school, from two neighborhoods, Altgeld Gardens and The Ville.[1][2]
His death occurred after he was brutally beaten by several boys with pieces of a railroad tie.[3][4]
Police initially arrested four individuals, Silvonus Shannon, Eric Carson, Eugene Riley, and Eugene Bailey, who were charged with first-degree murder.[5] Charges were later dropped against Bailey after further investigations.[6]
By 2011, five individuals had been convicted of Albert's death and sentenced to varying terms in prison: Shannon, Carson, Riley, Lapoleon Colbert, and a minor whose name was not publicized.[7]
The murder and its subsequent coverage form an important part of the 2011 Steve James documentary The Interrupters, which profiles the work of the antiviolence organization CeaseFire.[11] Rapper Nas also wrote an open letter to the Chicago youth. The letter can be found on Rap Genius.[12] The murder also inspired a 2014 short film--written, directed and executive produced by first-time film director Derrick Sanders--called Perfect Day. The film starred a young Daniel Kyri (Chicago Fire TV series) as a Derrion composite called Desmond, and was co-produced by Jessica Estelle Huggins, and co-executive produced by Chadwick Boseman. The film was dedicated to Derrion's memory.[13]