Derrick McIntyre, a 26-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 20, 2015, in his home located in the 7800 block of South Coles Avenue, Chicago, IL. The incident occurred around 10:10 a.m. when McIntyre was confronted by Christopher Garcia, also 26, who attempted to rob him. Garcia, who was on parole at the time, shot McIntyre multiple times, resulting in his death at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 10:44 a.m.
McIntyre's death was a result of gunshot wounds to his chest, torso, back, wrist, and left hand.
The confrontation began when McIntyre returned home from a corner store and was met by Garcia and other individuals. Garcia demanded that McIntyre open his apartment door, but McIntyre refused, citing the presence of his pregnant girlfriend and their baby inside. Despite McIntyre's refusal, Garcia shot him multiple times. McIntyre's girlfriend, who witnessed the incident through a peephole, called 911 and fled the apartment with their baby. Garcia was later found hiding under a tarp about one and a half blocks from the scene.
Christopher Garcia was charged with first-degree murder, murder while committing another forcible felony, and attempted robbery with the discharge of a firearm. He was held without bail and faced multiple charges in connection with McIntyre's death. Garcia's criminal history included previous convictions for drug charges and burglary. The case highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago.
