A violent incident in Uptown late Friday night left one individual dead and another injured, marking an escalation in street violence believed to be linked to prior conflicts in the area. Law enforcement sources reveal that the shooting is likely a retaliatory action stemming from a recent murder that shocked the community.

Authorities responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the 1200 block of West Sunnyside around 11:49 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered an 18-year-old male lying in an alley with a severe gunshot wound to the head, which ultimately led to his death at the scene. Additionally, a 27-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to her arm and was subsequently transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she was reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators found two abandoned vehicles in the alley, each equipped with two firearms, according to an officer present at the scene. Eyewitness accounts detailed a group of three masked gunmen fleeing the scene shortly after the shooting, further complicating the investigation.

Sources familiar with this case indicate that this shooting may be linked as retaliation for the murder of 17-year-old Kahlif Norwood, who was fatally shot on September 15 in the 5000 block of North Winthrop. Norwood had previously survived a shooting incident in Uptown just the month before.

Following Norwood’s murder, Chicago police intensified patrols in the surrounding neighborhoods, especially around Sunnyside and Magnolia, in anticipation of potential acts of revenge.

The shooting incident on Friday night adds to the growing concern regarding gun violence in the Uptown community. This marks the sixth and seventh individuals shot in the area this year, compared to 11 reported shootings at the same time last year and an alarming increase from 14 incidents by this time in 2022.

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Tim Hecke serves as CWBChicago’s managing partner. His illustrious career began at KMOX, a renowned news radio station in St. Louis. He has since worked at notable stations in Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York City, ultimately establishing syndicated radio news and content services that reached all 100 of America’s largest radio markets. Tim took on the role of managing partner at CWBChicago in 2019.
His email address is tim@cwbchicago.com.