Elijah "Fat Head" Murphy, a 38-year-old African American man, was fatally shot on November 17, 2016, in Chicago, IL. The incident occurred in the Back of the Yards neighborhood as Murphy was being dropped off at work by his pregnant daughter. Murphy, who worked as a meat processor at Bea's Best, City Foods, Inc., was getting out of his Kia Soul near West 43rd Street and South Racine Avenue around 4:45 a.m. when someone inside a dark-colored SUV opened fire.
He suffered gunshot wounds to his body and head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Murphy's death was a devastating blow to his family, especially his 20-year-old pregnant daughter, who witnessed the shooting. More than a dozen of Murphy's family members gathered at the scene, inconsolable. Murphy was described as a dependable worker and a family man who loved being around his family and raising his four children. He was also expecting his first grandchild soon. His coworkers and family members were deeply affected by his death, with many expressing their grief and disbelief at the senseless violence.
The investigation into Murphy's murder revealed that two masked men were waiting outside the meat-packaging facility for Murphy to arrive. Surveillance video showed the men parked outside the facility, armed and ready to attack. They fired multiple shots as Murphy stepped out of his vehicle. Despite the clear evidence, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large. Area Central detectives are investigating the case, but as of now, no one is in custody.
Murphy's death highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. His family continues to seek justice for his murder, hoping that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and that no other family will have to endure the pain and loss they have experienced.
