Ventriease "Dooski Tha Man" Criss, a 25-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on October 9, 2018, in the Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Criss was shot in the head while a 20-year-old woman, who was with him at the time, was struck in her left foot. The shooting occurred just before 4 p.m. in the 5600 block of South Michigan Avenue. Both victims were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where Criss was pronounced dead at 4:33 p.m.
The woman was stabilized. Witnesses reported that the shots may have come from a passing brown vehicle, and Area Central detectives were assigned to investigate the case.
The aftermath of Criss's death was marked by further violence. On October 22, 2018, a mass shooting occurred outside Bethlehem Star Missionary Baptist Church during Criss's funeral service. At least six people were shot, including a 21-year-old man who was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head. The other victims included a 25-year-old man shot in the arm, a 27-year-old woman shot in the leg and lower body, a 24-year-old man shot in the leg, an 18-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people ducking under cars and running for safety. Four individuals in hoodies were seen fleeing the scene, along with a green Toyota Camry and a blue minivan.
Despite the violence surrounding Criss's death and funeral, there have been no reports of arrests or suspects identified in connection with his murder. The investigation into his death and the subsequent shooting at his funeral remains ongoing, with law enforcement authorities continuing to seek information and leads. The community has been left grappling with the senseless loss of life and the ongoing cycle of violence that has plagued the area.
