Bourama Thera, a 58-year-old man from Dolton, Illinois, tragically lost his life on October 15, 2020, in a shootout that occurred in the parking lot of a Menards store located on Lincoln Avenue. Thera, who was an innocent bystander, was fatally struck by a stray bullet while sitting in his black SUV. The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. when multiple individuals began exchanging gunfire. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Thera died from a gunshot wound to the head. Thera, a father of six and grandfather of eleven, had long harbored a wish to return to Africa, a dream that remained unfulfilled due to his untimely death.
The shootout also claimed the life of 30-year-old Darquise Welch from Phoenix, Illinois, who was believed to be one of the participants in the gunfight. Welch succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds after transporting himself to Ingalls Hospital in Harvey. The Dolton Police Department, led by Police Chief Ernest Mobley, has been actively investigating the incident. Despite their efforts, no arrests have been made, and the individuals responsible for the shootout remain at large. The police have emphasized the importance of capturing those involved to prevent further loss of life.
Thera's family has been deeply affected by his sudden and violent death. His daughter, Oumu Thera, expressed profound grief, recounting how her father had not seen his mother since he immigrated to the United States in 1995. The COVID-19 pandemic had further separated them, as Oumu had not seen her father since March of that year. The family has been left to grapple with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy, mourning the loss of a man remembered for his happiness and the joy he brought to those around him.
The community of Dolton has also been shaken by the incident, with local leaders and residents calling for justice and increased efforts to curb gun violence. Dolton Village Trustee and crisis responder Andrew Holmes highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence, stressing that the use of firearms often results in the loss of innocent lives. As the investigation continues, the police and community members remain hopeful that those responsible for the deaths of Bourama Thera and Darquise Welch will be brought to justice, providing some measure of closure for the grieving families.
