A random attempted robbery that turned deadly in the South Loop over the weekend prompted hundreds in the community to gather Tuesday evening to voice their concerns.
Bill Smith, 45, was walking to get coffee Sunday morning about 10 a.m. when a man shot him in the head in the alley behind the 1800 block of South Michigan Avenue.
Outspoken neighbors took notice of the turnout after the shooting shook the neighborhood.
“This is just showing us how incredibly concerned we are as a neighborhood,” Jeanne McInerney said.
Some neighbors raised the possibility of a text alert system, as well as concerns about the need for more cameras and police.
“I don’t live here but this is my community also,” said Chicago Police Cmdr. Robert Klick. “I’m sworn to protect your lives.”
Robert Burgess, 56, has been charged with murder in relation to the shooting after police say they identified him via surveillance cameras near the scene.
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“He was the friendliest man,” said Lisa Hilarides, a neighbor and friend. “He has a young child. He was so thrilled to become a dad and just carry that baby around.
