Hussein R. Damra, a 20-year-old male from Des Plaines, Illinois, was tragically shot to death on February 28, 2020, in unincorporated Maine Township. The incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. in the 9500 block of Greenwood Drive. Damra was found with multiple shotgun injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy confirmed that he died from these injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation revealed that Damra's death was the result of a botched drug robbery.
Two teenagers from Waukegan, aged 15 and 17, were charged with first-degree murder in connection with the incident. The older teen, Christopher Mota, was charged as an adult, while the younger teen was charged as a juvenile. According to prosecutors, the teenagers had arranged to rob Damra of five pounds of marijuana. The robbery took place in the parking lot of Golf Mill Center in Niles, where Damra was shot in the back of the head by Mota.
The younger teen had taken a parent's car without permission and brought along the shotgun used in the slaying. The teens' uncharged companion had arranged the drug deal on social media. Damra, who was armed with a .40 caliber Glock handgun, showed up at the location with a friend. However, he was alone when he entered the car with the three individuals who planned to rob him. After a brief argument, Mota shot Damra at close range.
Following the shooting, the teenagers attempted to dispose of Damra's body by dumping it near Golf Road and Greenwood Drive. They then tried to drive into Lake Michigan but were unsuccessful. Both Mota and his juvenile co-defendant confessed to their roles in the murder. Mota was held without bail, and his next court date was scheduled for March 11, 2020. The case highlighted the dangers of illegal drug transactions and the tragic consequences that can arise from such activities.
