Ernie Perez, a 26-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot and killed on September 14, 2020, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. while Perez was on the sidewalk in the 3600 block of West Argyle Street. He was struck in the armpit area by gunfire and was subsequently transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed his death, and Area Five detectives launched a homicide investigation into the shooting.
The Albany Park neighborhood, which is generally considered safe, experienced a surge in violence around the time of Perez's death. In the week leading up to his murder, there were three shootings in the area, resulting in seven people being shot, two of them fatally. This spike in violence was attributed to gang conflicts, according to Chicago police and local officials. The Albany Park police district, which includes several neighborhoods, saw an increase in gunshot victims, making it the most violent year for the district since data collection began in 2011.
In response to the violence, family members of Ernie Perez, including his sister Pamela Lopez, organized a peace march in Ronan Park on September 20, 2020. The march aimed to raise awareness about the growing violence in the community and to honor the memory of Perez. Participants wore white T-shirts with "EP" and a heart on the front, and Perez's 4-year-old niece, Melanie Radillo, held a framed photo of him. The event highlighted the impact of gun violence on families and the community's desire for peace and safety.
As of now, there have been no arrests or suspects identified in connection with Ernie Perez's murder. The investigation remains ongoing, with Area Five detectives continuing to seek information and leads. The lack of progress in the case has been a source of frustration and grief for Perez's family, who continue to advocate for justice and an end to the violence that claimed the life of their loved one.
