Robert M. "Bobby" Bigger, a 30-year-old white male from Shorewood, Illinois, tragically passed away on February 26, 2021. Bobby was born on November 22, 1990, in Joliet, Illinois, and worked as a forklift operator for Palnet USA in Elwood. He was known for his dedication to his job and his love for his family, including his parents, siblings, and his beloved dog, Piper.
Bobby's unexpected death left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The circumstances surrounding Bobby's death were both shocking and tragic. On the early morning of February 26, 2021, Bobby was driving home from work along Baseline Road when he was fatally shot. The assailant, later identified as 38-year-old Derrell Draper, a habitual armed criminal from Joliet, pulled up next to Bobby's Chevy Impala and opened fire, causing Bobby's death. Draper and Bobby had just finished their shifts at the Home Depot warehouse where they worked for a third-party vendor.
Following the incident, Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow filed six felony counts against Draper, including three counts of first-degree murder. The charges detailed that Draper, without lawful justification, shot Bobby with the intent to kill or cause great bodily harm. Draper was also charged with being an armed habitual criminal and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, given his previous convictions for attempted robbery and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
The investigation into Bobby's murder revealed further complications. Investigators with the Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force were accused of forging the signature of Draper's girlfriend to gain entry to her apartment and find the suspected gun used in the killing. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the case, highlighting potential misconduct within the investigative process.
Bobby's death not only brought immense grief to his family and friends but also underscored the ongoing issues of gun violence and criminal justice in the community. The legal proceedings against Draper continue to unfold, with the hope that justice will be served for Bobby and his loved ones.
