Larry Purnell, a 64-year-old African American man from Chicago, IL, tragically lost his life on May 7, 2022. Purnell was working in the backyard of a home in the West Pullman neighborhood, preparing for a Mother's Day celebration, when he heard gunfire from the street. In an act of bravery, he ran towards the sound to see if anyone needed help. Unfortunately, as he appeared around the corner of the home, he was shot in the chest by the same gunmen who had just shot two other individuals on the
porch. Purnell was rushed to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident also claimed the life of 26-year-old Brandon Slater, who was shot multiple times and died at the scene. Another man, aged 27, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to the same medical center in good condition. The shooting occurred in the 11600 block of South Lowe Avenue, and as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made. The Chief of Detectives, Brendan Deenihan, mentioned that there was no video footage of the attack and appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrators.
Larry Purnell was remembered by his wife, Sharon Purnell, as a strong, giving, and well-loved individual. Sharon, who had been with Larry since she was 14, described him as her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life. Larry was known for his dedication to his community, often hiring young people for his landscaping and demolition business to keep them away from violence. He was also a doting father and grandfather, and the sole provider for his family, including caring for his mother-in-law who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
The Purnell family had already endured significant loss, as Sharon mentioned that they had lost a son to gun violence five years prior. Larry's death has left a profound impact on his family and community, who continue to mourn his loss and call for an end to the rampant gun violence in Chicago. Despite the tragic circumstances, Larry's legacy of helping others and striving to make a positive difference in his neighborhood remains a testament to his character.
