Martrell Ross, a 32-year-old African American male from Chicago, IL, tragically lost his life on August 3, 2014. The incident occurred outside the Bodi nightclub in the River North area of Chicago, following a Lollapalooza after-party for rapper Nas. The altercation began when Ross and two acquaintances were found leaning against a white car belonging to another group.
This seemingly minor incident escalated into a violent confrontation.
Bianca Young, a 23-year-old woman, initiated an argument with Ross and his friends, which quickly turned physical. During the fight, Ross was punched and knocked into the street. The situation worsened when Javon Almond, 17, Deandre Hughes, 19, and an unidentified acquaintance returned to the scene with firearms. They chased Ross into a nearby alley, where the unidentified acquaintance shot him multiple times until he fell. Almond then approached Ross and shot him numerous times, resulting in his death at the scene. Ross was shot eight times in total.
Following the shooting, Hughes also attacked and shot one of Ross's acquaintances, a 21-year-old male, who sustained injuries to his back, side, forearm, and foot. The attackers fled the scene but were later apprehended. The entire incident was captured on the nightclub's surveillance cameras, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
The police arrested Bianca Young, Javon Almond, and Deandre Hughes. Young and Hughes were charged with murder and attempted murder, while Almond faced charges of murder. The surviving victim identified Hughes and Young in a photo array, and a witness identified all three suspects in a physical lineup. Additionally, a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with Almond's palm print was recovered by the police.
Martrell Ross had a criminal history, including a 10-year prison sentence for attempted murder in 2000 and a six-year sentence for drug conspiracy in 2007. Despite his past, his death was a tragic loss, and his family remembered him for his love of rap music and dancing. The case highlighted the senseless violence that can erupt from seemingly minor disputes and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
