Michael Conrad, a 37-year-old man from Chicago, IL, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on May 6, 2022. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. in the 4400 block of North Hamlin Avenue in the Albany Park neighborhood. Michael Conrad was sitting in his white Chrysler when another vehicle approached, and someone inside opened fire. Conrad was shot in the chest and attempted to drive away, but he collided with several parked cars before his vehicle rolled over at Cullom and Lawndale
avenues. He was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation into Michael Conrad's death revealed that the shooting was a targeted attack. A 17-year-old suspect, Branko Fager, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm. According to prosecutors, Fager, wearing a ski mask, fired more than 20 shots at Conrad from the passenger seat of a stolen car. The attack was premeditated, with Fager and an accomplice communicating about their plans to kill Conrad for nearly a month before the incident. The accomplice, Jyquwon McClellan, who was also involved in the crime, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. McClellan had a history of criminal activity, including pending felony cases for carjacking and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The investigation uncovered significant digital evidence linking Fager and McClellan to the murder. Cellular phone location data placed them at the scene of the crime, and their phones contained conversations about planning the murder and acquiring the stolen car used in the attack. After the shooting, the stolen car was set on fire in suburban Northlake, further implicating the suspects. Despite the extensive evidence, the motive for the murder remains unclear. Both suspects are currently held without bail as the legal proceedings continue.
