Paul J. King, a 51-year-old African American man, was tragically shot to death on August 6, 2015, in Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood. The incident occurred near his home, where he was found with gunshot wounds to his chest and back. The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed his identity. King was a well-known barber in the community and was affectionately called "PK" by his friends. He lived with Keondra Lee and her family, who had taken him in during difficult times.
King was known for his dedication to his children and his efforts to support them, despite the challenges he faced.
On the night of his death, neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. King's body was discovered next to a gray car in the 1300-block of West 108th Place around 1:20 a.m. Despite the proximity of the shooting to his home, no one witnessed the shooter, and the case remains unsolved. The community expressed their grief and frustration, emphasizing King's positive impact and the senselessness of the violence that took his life. His death was particularly poignant as it occurred just months after his 7-year-old son, Elajah Dace, was shot in the shoulder in the same neighborhood. A 16-year-old boy was charged in that case, highlighting the ongoing violence in the area.
The investigation into Paul J. King's murder has not led to any arrests or identified suspects. The lack of witnesses and concrete evidence has hindered progress, leaving his family and community seeking justice. The police continue to appeal for information from the public, hoping that someone might come forward with details that could help solve the case. King's death is a stark reminder of the pervasive gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. His legacy as a caring father and community member endures, even as those who knew him continue to mourn his loss and call for an end to the violence.
