Community mourns Pilsen man killed in deadly crossfire amid weekend violence

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Pilsen community is mourning after a 46-year-old man was killed this weekend, with many believing he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught in the crossfire of multiple shooters.

“It was heartbreaking,” Dalia Radecki said.

There’s a palpable sense of grief in the Pilsen neighborhood after a beloved member of the community had his life ripped away.

A growing memorial in honor of the man, known by many as Pepe, now sits at the corner of West 17^th Street and Wolcott Avenue.

“He’s just such a good dude and completely opposite of violence in any way,” Dan Buchanan said.

Police say three victims were shot in the area just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Two men, ages 41 and 43, were struck by gunfire in the legs and are expected to survive. Pepe was struck in the neck and leg.

The other victims were found together in one spot, according to witnesses, and Pepe was found lying in the intersection.

“This violence, you don’t have to be involved in it, it can just happen to anybody standing on the corner, minding their own business,” Buchanan said.

WGN News obtained surveillance video of the incident from neighbors. Several people can be seen running away from the area where Pepe was found.

“I’m very upset, angry because that never should have happened to Pepe. He didn’t bother anybody,” Radecki said.

Residents say Pepe lived on the streets of Pilsen for many years.

“He doesn’t bother anyone, he barely even talks to people if he doesn’t know them, he just kind of waves and smiles,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan says he said goodbye to Pepe about 30 minutes before the shooting and believes he was likely walking home.

He says Pepe was smiling and laughing all night. He made his friend soup before the two parted ways, never knowing that would be the last time he saw him.

“My first time I met Pepe was when I first moved to Pilsen and I saw him outside of Slice Factory. I thought, ‘that guy looks awesome. I want to know that guy.’” Buchanan said.

The community is coming together to support each other and pray for answers.

“Pilsen is so strong, and everyone here loves him,” Buchanan said.

Police sources tell WGN that around 50 shell casings were recovered at the scene, indicating at least four different guns were fired.

As the investigation unfolded, one person who was involved in the shooting reportedly told police he was a valid CCL holder. It’s unclear if that person is considered a suspect.

No charges have been announced regarding Pepe’s death.

This incident was one of more than 30 shooting investigations that unfolded across Chicago during Labor Day weekend.

The Chicago Police Department will release official numbers Tuesday morning, but as of Monday night, WGN counted 55 people shot, including seven killed, since 5 p.m. Friday.

The youngest person shot so far appears to be a 14-year-old boy, and at least three of the weekend shootings included multiple victims.