‘Never bothered anyone’: Pilsen shooting victim was a beloved member of the community

CHICAGO (WGN) — It was a violent holiday weekend in the city with at least 47 people wounded in shootings, and eight others who lost their lives.

In the area of West 17^th Street and Wolcott Avenue, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and balloons represents the palpable grief many in the Pilsen community are feeling.

It was a shooting early Sunday morning that left two men wounded and claimed the life of a man fondly known to many as Pepe. Residents say he long faced homelessness, living on the streets of Pilsen for many years.

It is believed Pepe was an innocent victim, caught in the crossfire.

“He was a very kind, thoughtful, respectful; I don’t know anything bad about him,” Dalia Radecki said. “My grandkids would honk and say, ‘hey there’s Pepe!’ I would honk and say, ‘Pepe get out of the street.’ He didn’t like that, but it was just for his safety.”

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim, whose identity they have not yet released, died from a gunshot wound to his head.

“I was heartbroken when I heard the news because he’s just such a good dude and completely opposite of violence in any way,” Dan Buchanan said.

According to Chicago police, all three victims were outside near the 1900 block of W. 17^th St. when the shooting happened just before 1:40 a.m.

The explosion of gunfire that continued for at least 15 seconds was caught on several residents’ home surveillance cameras.

Police said two men, ages 41 and 43, were hit in the legs by gunfire and taken to the hospital, expected to survive. Pepe, 46, was rushed to Mt. Sinai with a gunshot wound to his neck and two to his leg, where he was pronounced dead.

According to police sources, Pepe was found lying in the intersection, while witnesses said the other two men were found in a separate spot nearby.

Police sources told WGN News approximately 50 shell casings were recovered on the 1800 block of W. 17^th St., indicating at least four different guns had been fired.

A man told police he was a valid CCL holder and had exchanged gunfire with someone on the street, sources said. He was initially taken into custody, though it is not clear whether he is considered a suspect, and no charges have been filed.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, Pilsen residents said the death of their longtime neighbor, has left them feeling frustrated and sad.

“Whoever did this, terrible. We don’t want that in our community. You don’t come and intrude and just think that you’re going to be shooting out here. I’m very upset, angry because that never should have happened to Pepe. He didn’t bother anybody,” Radecki said.

Buchanan started a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses. He said he considered Pepe a friend and he finds it hard to believe he’s gone.

“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.

Over the years, Buchanan said Pepe frequented his art store and would attend shows. He said the man would sometimes work the door and dance along to music.

On Saturday night, Buchanan said he had a going away party that Pepe attended. Later in the evening, he returned to find the man still there. He said he made soup for Pepe and the two had a cigarette and talked over the meal before they parted ways. About 30 minutes later, the shooting happened.

“He was like giggling the whole night and it was kind of – it was awesome – it was hilarious,” Buchanan said.

That is how he’s choosing to remember his friend and said he hopes those who never had the chance to meet him get a glance into who he was.

No arrests or charges have been announced in the shooting. Area Three detectives are handling the investigation and anyone with information is asked to call them at 312-744-8261, or contact CPDTip.com, where you can remain anonymous.