A Chilling Night in Chatham: The Unsolved Murder of Clifton Balentine

A Summer Evening Turns Deadly

On the evening of Sunday, August 4, 2013, the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago's South Side was enveloped in the warmth of a typical summer night. Residents mingled on sidewalks, sharing stories and enjoying the seasonal respite. Among them was 33-year-old Clifton Balentine, who stood conversing with a group in the 8000 block of South Normal Avenue. The air was filled with casual chatter, the kind that binds communities together. However, this semblance of normalcy was abruptly shattered, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

The Sudden Onset of Violence

At approximately 9:50 p.m., as conversations flowed and laughter echoed, two unidentified individuals approached the gathering. Without warning or provocation, they opened fire into the crowd. The rapid succession of gunshots replaced the evening's tranquility with chaos and fear. Those present scrambled for cover, the sudden eruption of violence catching everyone off guard. In the ensuing panic, the shooters fled the scene, leaving behind a tableau of confusion and terror....Read More

Share

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment