Steven Cowan, a 29-year-old male from Chicago, IL, was tragically killed on October 28, 2016. Cowan, who worked for a hair product manufacturer and lived with his common-law wife, was fatally shot while sitting in a blue truck parked in the West Englewood neighborhood. The incident occurred at approximately 11:18 a.m. in the 6400 block of South Damen Avenue.
Cowan was alone in the driver's seat when Joseph Bey, a 40-year-old previously convicted murderer, approached from a nearby gangway and began firing into the truck. Despite Bey's gun jamming during the attack, he managed to unjam it and continue shooting, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds to Cowan's back, chest, and arms. Cowan was transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The investigation revealed that Cowan's last words were "Joe shot me," which was heard by a witness who knew both men. This crucial piece of evidence, along with the identification of Bey by other witnesses, led to Bey's arrest. Bey, who had previously been sentenced to 40 years in prison in the early 1990s for a gang-related murder, was charged with Cowan's murder. The motive behind the shooting was linked to a neighborhood dispute involving associates of both men. Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini detailed the events during the court proceedings, and Judge Laura Sullivan ordered Bey to be held without bail.
The case against Joseph Bey proceeded with significant evidence, including witness testimonies and Cowan's dying declaration. Bey's criminal history and the violent nature of the attack underscored the severity of the charges. The legal proceedings aimed to bring justice for Steven Cowan and his family, highlighting the ongoing issues of gang violence and its impact on the community. The tragic death of Steven Cowan, a young man with a promising future, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of such violence.
