Chinedu Madu, a 51-year-old Nigerian immigrant, was fatally shot on January 8, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois. Madu, who worked as a cab driver for Chicago Carriage Cab, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. in the 1200 block of South Albany Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood. Madu was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
He was known for working long hours to support his wife, Vivian, and their young son, as well as his family back in Nigeria.
The suspect in the case, Tyrese Bell, a 23-year-old man, was charged with first-degree murder for the shooting of Chinedu Madu. Bell was a passenger in Madu's cab and attempted to rob him before shooting him. Bell was also charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer. After the shooting, Bell went to an acquaintance's house, where he hid the gun and admitted to the acquaintance that he had "messed up." Bell was later arrested and held without bond. He had a history of criminal activity, including previous convictions for drug offenses and robbery.
The murder of Chinedu Madu highlighted the dangers faced by cab drivers in Chicago. Madu's death was mourned by his family, friends, and colleagues at Chicago Carriage Cab, who described him as an outstanding and conscientious driver. The United Taxidrivers Community Council issued a statement emphasizing the need for improved security measures for cab drivers. The council also launched a fundraising campaign to support Madu's family. The investigation into Madu's death involved reviewing footage from a police camera near the scene and possibly a camera in the cab, although it was unclear if the video was useful in the investigation.
