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Via Twitter, Celebrities Express Outrage Over Infant's Death

By Jackie Kostek | March 13, 2013 2:33pm

CHICAGO — In the two days since the shooting death of 6-month-old Jonylah Watkins, celebrities and public figures have taken to social media to weigh in on the story.

Rapper and Chicago native Lupe Fiasco tweeted three times about the shooting.

"This is why I rant! This is why I speak out! This is why I sound preachy in my songs! I have no choice! #ChiViolenceMustEnd #1stOfApril," Fiasco tweeted Tuesday. Fiasco used #1stofApril to drive attention to a Chicago youth-led anti-violence action that's set to launch next month.

Music mogel Russell Simmons also took to Twitter Tuesday, tweeting, "Sending prayers to Jonylah Watkins, the 6-month-old who was shot yesterday has passed... #RIP PLEASE RT." More than 950 followers retweeted the tweet.

The Chicago rapper known as Lil Durk tweeted and instagramed a photo montage that included two photos of baby Jonylah, and a message of disgust for the shooter's actions. More than 7,000 instagram users "favorited" his post.

"Crazy Lil N----- go around shooting vans up that all look alike ...not knowing its a baby in there ...you Lil mfers that thirsty for a name if you really want a name N----- graduate from high school go to college get a degree make something of yourself make your family proud," Lil Durk wrote. He added that killing babies "goes against every street code."