Montrell Lee, a 27-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on August 13, 2020, in Morgan Park, Chicago. The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. while Lee was driving through an alley in the 1000 block of West 108th Place. According to reports, Lee was shot multiple times in the chest and back. Despite his injuries, he managed to drive a short distance before crashing into a light pole in the 10800 block of South Morgan Street.
He was subsequently taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled his death a homicide.
The investigation into Montrell Lee's death led to the arrest of Benjamin Reese, also 27 years old. Reese was charged with first-degree murder for the shooting. According to prosecutors, Reese was in the alley talking with two other individuals when Lee drove up. After a brief exchange, Reese pulled out a gun and fired at least seven shots into Lee's car, hitting him in the chest and arm. A witness identified Reese as the shooter, and cell phone records placed him at the scene of the crime. Reese was ordered held without bail and was due back in court on September 23, 2020.
The case against Benjamin Reese is ongoing, with the Cook County state's attorney's office handling the prosecution. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but the evidence presented so far includes witness testimony and cell phone records. The tragic death of Montrell Lee highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on communities.
