Macksantino Webb, a 20-year-old African American male, was tragically murdered on December 3, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. Webb was fatally shot inside the Howard CTA station. The incident occurred in the early afternoon when Webb, accompanied by his girlfriend, encountered a group of men he recognized, including Keith Gross. Webb attempted to flee but was shot twice in the back by Gross. Despite his efforts to escape, Webb collapsed on the platform and succumbed to his injuries.
The entire incident was captured on CTA surveillance cameras, which played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator.
Keith Gross, a 30-year-old African American male, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Webb's death. Gross had a history of criminal activity, including a previous conviction for home invasion for which he was on parole at the time of the murder. He had also been charged with murder in 2010 but was only convicted of a gun violation. Following Webb's murder, Gross admitted to purchasing the gun used in the crime four days prior and disposing of it in a sewer after the shooting. In August 2022, Gross pleaded guilty to the murder of Macksantino Webb and was sentenced to 26½ years in prison. He is scheduled for release in 2046.
The murder of Macksantino Webb was a significant event that highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago. Webb's family had moved him from the South Side to Rogers Park in an attempt to protect him from the rampant violence in their original neighborhood. Despite these efforts, Webb's life was cut short by the very violence his family sought to escape. His death not only devastated his family but also underscored the broader societal challenges related to crime and safety in urban areas. Webb's great-uncle, Rev. Zollie Webb, expressed his profound grief and frustration over the loss, emphasizing the recurring tragedy of young lives being prematurely ended by gun violence.
