He was described as an old soul gone too soon.

       Javunte Wheeler, 26, known as Squeak and part of a Chicago hip-hop group called Pivot Gang, was shot to death Monday in the 5000 block of West Saint Paul Avenue. His uncle, Darion Hood, who was 27, was also killed in the shooting, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

       On Wednesday evening, more than 100 people, family members, friends and supporters, gathered at La Follette Park in the Austin neighborhood.

       A relative asked people to shout what neighborhood they were from. A few cheered for the east, some more cheered for the South Side and a roar of pride erupted for the West Side.

       For about 10 minutes, loved ones cried on each other’s shoulders, sharing long hugs. Others sat on the pavement shaking their head in disbelief. At one point, the sea of mourners came closer together and chanted “We love you” while holding green balloons, a nod to Squeak’s favorite color.

       Once the balloons were released, they held on to the memory of Squeak.

       Tawana Johnson, 45, and Elaine Smith , 60, who said as Squeak’s cousins, they watched him grow up.

       “He was a really good kid, he didn’t deserve this at all,” Smith said as she wiped away tears. “He didn’t talk much, but he loved family.”

       Squeak had a knack for knowing his audience. He was able to play music that would put a smile on people’s faces no matter their age, Johnson said. He also enjoyed family gatherings such as Thanksgiving or casual family potlucks. To Squeak, the evening would be extra special if his aunt made seven cheese macaroni.

       “He was quiet and such an old soul,” Johnson said.

       According to Johnson, Squeak began to teach himself how to DJ at the age of 8.

       “People caught on and they wanted him to start DJing for their parties,” she said.

       But more than his music, Squeak was said to have loved his young daughter more than anything else.

       “She was all he cared about,” said Smith. “He would paint with her and did tea time ... he did all of that.”

       Squeak also welcomed a son in May.

       His cousins said they were surprised how many people loved Squeak.

       “Look at all of the people out here who loved him,” said Johnson. “That alone shows what kind of person he was.”

       tatturner@chicagotribune.com

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