On the morning of June 28, 2020, 36-year-old Angelo Demorris Pullum was fatally shot in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Surveillance footage from the 1400 block of West Lunt Avenue captured the incident around 7 a.m. In the video, Pullum, an African American male, is seen conversing with another man on the sidewalk. As they talk, the man moves behind Pullum, draws a firearm, and shoots him at point-blank range in the back of the head.
Pullum collapsed against a fence gate and was killed instantly.
In the hour leading up to the shooting, Pullum and the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Steven Hayer, exchanged 12 phone calls. Witnesses reported that a black Jeep approached Pullum and his companions, with Hayer exiting from the passenger seat. After a brief conversation, Pullum and Hayer walked down the street together, leading to the location where the shooting occurred. Following the gunshot, a witness observed Hayer running back to the Jeep with a gun in his hand before fleeing the scene.
Cellphone data placed Hayer at the scene during the time of the murder. Additionally, Pullum's mother discovered Hayer's wallet and identification among her son's belongings two days after his death, further linking him to the crime. On December 29, 2021, Hayer was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, armed habitual criminal, criminal trespass to a residence, and possession of a controlled substance. His prior convictions include multiple firearm-related offenses.
Angelo Pullum was raised by his mother in Rogers Park, an area she had called home for about 30 years. She described her son as a sweet and loving individual to whom she was very close. Five days before his death, Pullum bought his mother birthday gifts, taking her shopping for a bracelet and a pair of shoes. He was known for his generosity, often giving money or buying food for those in need. Pullum was also a talented cook, preparing dishes like baked macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and smothered chicken wings for his family during holidays. He had aspirations of starting a record company and was involved in promoting rap artists, even dabbling in music himself.
The tragic loss of Angelo Pullum deeply affected his mother, who found it difficult to remain in the neighborhood due to the painful reminders of her son's death. She expressed her grief, stating, "Everything I look at, I cry." The community mourned his passing, with many remembering his kindness and contributions to those around him.
