Demarco Strawder, a 24-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 15, 2022, in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, IL. The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. on the 1600 block of North Mayfield Avenue. Strawder was found unresponsive on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and legs. He was transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The investigation into Demarco
Strawder's death revealed that he was the victim of a drive-by shooting. Surveillance footage from private cameras and police POD cameras showed a dark-colored Volvo pulling alongside Strawder as he walked on the sidewalk. The footage captured the moment when someone inside the vehicle fired at least 11 shots in his direction, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspects, who were wearing masks and gloves, abandoned the vehicle in the Cragin neighborhood shortly after the shooting.
Manya Chappel, a 24-year-old African American male, was identified as the driver of the vehicle used in the shooting. Chappel was recognized by officers and a witness due to his distinctive hand and facial tattoos. He was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Strawder's death. Chappel was already on bond for a pending unlawful use of a weapon case at the time of the murder and had previous convictions for resisting arrest and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Investigators believe that both Chappel and the suspected gunman, who has not been charged, are members of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang. They may have targeted Strawder because he was walking in an area known to be controlled by their rivals, the Mafia Insane Vice Lords.
The case against Chappel was bolstered by substantial evidence, including surveillance footage and cellphone records. The footage showed Chappel and his accomplice circling the area for about 15 minutes before the shooting, allegedly looking for someone to kill in a gang-related revenge attack. Cellphone records indicated that Chappel and the suspected gunman were traveling together before and after the shooting, with their phones pinging in close proximity to the murder scene. Chappel was arrested at his home in West Pullman and held without bail for violating the terms of his bond in the pending gun case.
The murder of Demarco Strawder highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on the community. The investigation into his death continues as authorities seek to bring all responsible parties to justice.
