>> reporter: there were several heartbreaking stories in 2013 including the killing of 15-year-old hidea pendleton, shot after taking a final exam. president obama talked about her in his state of the union. >> she was shot and killed in a chicago park after school. just a mile away from my house. >> reporter: the biggest problem still facing chicago according to mccarthy is illegal guns and the lack of accountability for those caught with one. an example, the man accused of killing pendleton who mccarthy says would have been in prison if illinois gun penalties were stronger. >> her alleged killer pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm in november of 2012 and killed her in january of 2013. >> reporter: still, things are better, and most people on the south side of chicago we talked to say they have noticed a difference. >> it has slowed down, though. it has slowed down. >> reporter: is it getting better? >> yes, it is getting better.