Robert “Yummy” Sandifer was born on March 12, 1983, in Chicago, Illinois. His father was absent at his birth, incarcerated on a felony gun charge. His mother, Lorina Sandifer, was 18 years old and already a mother to two children. Police records later identified her as a prostitute and minor criminal. Tragically, Robert “Yummy” was murdered in 1994 by his own gang at the tender age of 11, casting a harsh spotlight on the pervasive gang violence in Chicago.
Early Life
Robert Sandifer first encountered authority figures when he was only 22 months old. In 1985, he and his two brothers were found alone at home, prompting intervention by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Physical examinations revealed severe abuse, with cigarette burns and marks from being beaten by an electric cord. Initially, Lorina Sandifer blamed Robert's father for the bruises but later recanted. DCFS concluded that Lorina was unfit to care for her children, who would soon number five.
Gang Life
In 1986, DCFS placed Lorina's children with her grandmother, Jannie Fields, who was already raising four children of her own. Her residence was later exposed as a site of prostitution. With his home life in turmoil, Robert sought belonging on the streets, joining the Black Disciples gang, which transformed him into a hardened criminal. The gang nicknamed him Yummy due to his fondness for sweets.
By 1993, Robert “Yummy” Sandifer faced charges of auto theft and arson, pleading guilty to one while the other was dropped. At age 10, he was sentenced to two years probation in 1994, sent to Lawrence Hall Youth Services’ Maryville Academy, from which he soon fled, returning to the streets. Psychological assessments revealed that at age 10, Robert was illiterate and struggled with basic math.
On August 28, 1994, Robert began a shooting spree, targeting Kianta Britten, whom he suspected of gang affiliation. Despite Britten's denial, Robert shot him with a 9mm handgun. Britten survived and identified Robert as his assailant. Later that day, Robert fired into a group playing football, injuring several. Tragically, Shavon Dean, a 14-year-old neighbor, was fatally shot in the head.
Following these incidents, Chicago Police and FBI launched a massive search for Robert “Yummy” Sandifer, but he eluded capture.
Death
While on the run, Robert was approached by Derrick Hardaway, 14, and Cragg Hardaway, 16, both members of the Black Disciples. They convinced him to join them on a purported trip out of town. Robert complied and was executed with two shots to the back of the head from a .25 caliber pistol near a graffiti-laden tunnel.
Robert “Yummy” Sandifer's body was discovered by police, marking him as Chicago’s 637th murder victim that year. Derrick and Cragg were later arrested, confessing that they were ordered by their gang leader to execute Robert. His death highlighted the child-driven violence afflicting Chicago.
Yummy In The Media
Young Chicago rapper Lil Mouse has honored Yummy with tribute songs titled ‘Mouse Trap’ and ‘Yummy Tribute’. TIME magazine featured Robert “Yummy” Sandifer's mug shot on its cover, with the headline “The Short Violent Life of Robert 'Yummy' Sandifer: So Young to Kill So Young to Die”. Tupac's song “Young N*ggaz” dedicates a line to Robert, reflecting on the rush of youth into gang life.