Richard Dunlap, a 33-year-old man from Cicero, Illinois, tragically lost his life on July 13, 2019. The incident occurred in the 2200 block of Central Avenue in Cicero, where Dunlap and another individual were walking on the sidewalk around 9:30 PM. A confrontation erupted between Dunlap and a group of four individuals in a black Hummer, which had stopped at a red light. During the altercation, someone from the sidewalk threw a bottle at the Hummer, hitting its hood. In response, a passenger in the Hummer pulled out a weapon and fired a single shot, striking Dunlap in the chest. He was immediately taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead at 9:54 PM. An autopsy confirmed that Dunlap died from a gunshot wound that entered his arm and then his chest.
Following the shooting, the Hummer fled the scene but was later pulled over by police near the 5100 block of Cermak Road. Two passengers from the vehicle, David Aguirre-Gonzalez and Nicholas Aguirre, were arrested and charged in connection with Dunlap's death. Aguirre-Gonzalez was charged with one count of first-degree murder for firing the weapon, while Aguirre faced three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Both suspects were identified as members of a Chicago street gang and were held in Cook County Jail without bail.
The investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from an argument between Dunlap and the occupants of the Hummer. Despite the quick response from Cicero police, no charges were filed against the driver or the fourth passenger in the vehicle. The case drew significant attention due to the ongoing efforts to reduce gang-related violence in Cicero. The swift arrest of the suspects was praised by Cicero Police Chief Jerry Chlada, who highlighted the importance of taking such individuals off the streets to maintain public safety.
Richard Dunlap's death was ruled a homicide, and the legal proceedings against Aguirre-Gonzalez and Aguirre continued as the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office pursued justice for Dunlap and his family. The tragic incident underscored the persistent challenges faced by communities in addressing gang violence and ensuring the safety of their residents.
