Shuai Guan, a 33-year-old Asian male, was tragically killed on December 21, 2020, in Chicago, IL. The incident occurred during a carjacking in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Guan had parked his Jeep Cherokee near his home on Union Avenue and was checking his mail when he was approached by carjackers. He handed over the keys to his vehicle, but the assailants, frustrated by their inability to drive the car, shot him in the back.
Guan was on the phone with a 911 operator at the time of the shooting, and his moans of pain were captured on the call. He was later found lying face-up in an alley and was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The primary suspect in the case, Denroy Garcia, a 16-year-old male, was charged as an adult with first-degree murder, murder committed during another forcible felony, and aggravated vehicular hijacking. Garcia had a history of carjacking and possession of stolen vehicles. On the night of the incident, Garcia and his accomplice were involved in a series of carjackings, including stealing a Subaru Outback just minutes before targeting Guan. The entire incident was recorded on private surveillance video, which showed Garcia demanding the keys from Guan, chasing him into the alley, and firing three shots.
Garcia was arrested later that night after a short foot chase. He was found in the stolen Subaru, and his accomplice was in a stolen Audi. Both vehicles were recovered at the scene. Evidence collected included three 9mm shell casings and an Arizona Iced Tea bottle with Garcia's DNA. Garcia's hoodie, which tested positive for gunshot residue, matched the one seen in the surveillance video. Garcia was held without bail and later sentenced to 27½ years in prison for the murder of Shuai Guan. The judge ordered him to serve 100% of his sentence and to receive mental health services and pursue higher education while incarcerated.
Guan is survived by his wife, Hongyu Bai, and their young son. The case highlighted the ongoing crisis of carjackings in Chicago and the need for community efforts to prevent such crimes and support young people in finding their purpose in the world.
