Shaprie Smith-Tate, a 25-year-old African American woman from Chicago, tragically lost her life on September 9, 2018, in Elgin, Illinois. The incident occurred outside D Hangout Bar and Grill, located at 550 S. McLean Boulevard, around 12:22 a.m. Shaprie was one of four individuals shot during an altercation that escalated into gunfire. She sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The altercation that led to the shooting involved several people, including Shaprie's brother, Shannon Smith, who was 23 years old at the time. Shannon Smith, also an African American male, is the primary suspect in the case. According to the Elgin Police Department, Shannon allegedly opened fire during the argument, resulting in the injuries of three other individuals—two women and one man—besides his sister. Following the shooting, Shannon fled the scene in a vehicle that was later recovered in Chicago.
An arrest warrant was issued for Shannon Smith on multiple charges of first-degree murder. Despite extensive efforts by the Elgin Police Department and assistance from the Illinois State Police, Shannon remained at large for some time. Authorities have urged the public to provide any information regarding his whereabouts but have also cautioned against approaching him, as he may be armed and dangerous. The police have been in contact with Shannon's family and have exhausted all investigative means to locate him, balancing the family's loss with their attempts to apprehend him.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the familial connection between the victim and the suspect. The Elgin Police Department has continued to seek the public's help in finding Shannon Smith and has encouraged him to surrender peacefully to law enforcement. The tragic death of Shaprie Smith-Tate has left a profound impact on her family and the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of gun violence.
