A Chicago rapper was killed and a woman injured in an early morning shooting that shut down the Eisenhower Expressway for hours near Chicago's East Garfield Park neighborhood Thursday, according to police and family members.
Just before 6 a.m., Illinois State Police officers responded to reports of shots being fired in the westbound lanes of I-290 near Laramie Avenue, officials said.
Police confirm: at least one person shot near I-290, WB at Laramie, PD on frontage road #NBCSky5 @nbcc@KyeMartinNBC pic.twitter.com/WcQLaI2mFX
— Kye Martin (@KyeMartinNBC) September 29, 2016
Two people, a man and a woman, riding in a white SUV were shot, according to police. The victims were found by police at Flournoy Street and Lockwood Avenue in Chicago and both were transported to Stroger Hospital.
The man was pronounced dead and the woman was listed in critical condition.
Family members identified the man as 22-year-old Johnathon Ortiz, a rapper who goes by the name of John Doe. Ortiz is known for his performances at venues that include the House of Blues and was on his way home after getting food with his girlfriend Alexis Garcia when someone opened fire, his family said.
Those close to the couple believe the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity and said Ortiz has no gang affiliations, but loved music and performing.
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The vehicle Ortiz was driving belonged to Garcia, family members said. The driver's side window and rear window were shattered from the gunfire.
All westbound I-290 lanes from California to Central were shut down as state police search for shell casings and investigate the shooting. The lanes were expected to remain closed for several hours during the morning rush.
Check back for details on this developing story.