Pivot Gang member DJ SqueakPIVOT, whose real name is Javunte Wheeler, was shot to death in Chicago on Aug. 16 in front of his grandmother’s home, according to ABC7 News. His 27-year-old uncle, Darion Hood, was also shot to death.
Wheeler, 26, was shot and killed by someone riding in his vehicle. Video footage from a Ring doorbell showed the deejay pulling up to his grandmother’s house on the 5000 block of West St. Paul Avenue and get out to talk with Hood. That’s when the passenger shot the two men and proceeded to steal Wheeler’s vehicle. He was shot in the head.
Rayvita Pernell, Wheeler’s sister, said that surveillance video showed the men were killed by a passenger in Squeak’s car around 12:30 p.m.
“This person was in the car with him and he knew him,” she said. “So apparently he trusted him and took him to his grandmother’s home and was talking with him at the trunk of the car and this is what happened.”
We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of one of our own, Squeak Pivot.
We appreciate the support from the community at this time and ask that you keep Squeak’s family and friends in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/7Dvf0Lqy29
— PIVOT GANG (@PIVOTGANG) August 17, 2021
Condolences poured in on social media for DJ SqueakPIVOT.
God bless squeak and every one that loves him Great man ?
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 17, 2021
We want to send our condolences to the loved ones and family of @squeakPIVOT.
Squeak came out to Portland to perform on our anniversary showcase in 2018. A kind hearted and talented producer and DJ.
Love from Portland to Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Csfx4Un14T
— THE THESIS – SEPTEMBER 2ND (@TheThesisPDX) August 17, 2021
I met him at @PromontoryChi. He was the DJ for an event we throw called ‘the corner’. I introduced myself, he said “I’m SqueakPivot”! He killed it that night. He spoke proudly about #PivotGang and tonight, I’m mourning him. This is too much. As’e Squeak. As’e. pic.twitter.com/s1f0xYgKty
— Mario (@marioinhydepark) August 17, 2021
Rest In Peace Squeak. Truly a great person.
My love goes out to Pivot Gang, his friends and family. ?? ?
— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) August 17, 2021
Chicago DJ Skoli said that he and Wheeler became friends in 2016. Wheeler was a part of the Pivot Gang, a hip-hop group in Chicago made up of independent rappers. Skoli met Wheeler as a member of the Pivot Gang, and he noted his friend’s sweet nature. Skoli said that he was shocked that his friend had become a victim of gun violence.
“I meet a lot of people in the industry and due to Pivot Gang’s stature, I thought he would be full of himself. I got to know him as a sweet and kind person. He was always willing to work and become a part of the community,” said Skoli. “I couldn’t believe that something like this would happen to him. I started thinking about the city and how many people have passed in similar ways. It’s not normal, the things that happen in our city.”
Our condolences go out to the family at this tragic time.
