Azim Hakeem, a 38-year-old male of Middle Eastern descent, was tragically found dead on July 30, 2013, in the basement of the Evanston Pipe & Tobacco shop in Evanston, Illinois. He and his brother, Mobeen Hakeem, 34, were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. The brothers had taken over the family business about ten years prior and were well-regarded in their community for being quiet and kind individuals.
The investigation into their deaths revealed that there were no immediate signs
of a robbery, and the incident was initially classified as a death investigation. However, further examination by the North Regional Major Crime Task Force and the Evanston Police Department led to the conclusion that the brothers were murdered. The crime scene showed no forced entry, suggesting that the perpetrator was familiar with the layout of the store, particularly the basement where the bodies were found.
The primary suspect in the case was identified as Kevin Ross, a 29-year-old Evanston resident. Ross was linked to the murders through various pieces of evidence found in his possession. After being shot and killed by police during a confrontation, a search of his home uncovered identification documents belonging to both Azim and Mobeen Hakeem, as well as a .22 caliber shell casing that matched those found at the crime scene. Additionally, a receipt from May 2013 indicated that Ross had visited the tobacco shop prior to the murders, and records showed he had purchased a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol in June 2013, the same type of weapon used in the killings.
Despite the strong evidence connecting Ross to the murders, the investigation faced challenges. Ross had no prior criminal record in Illinois and possessed a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card, which allowed him to legally purchase firearms and ammunition. Authorities also explored the possibility of Ross's involvement in other criminal activities outside Illinois, given his brief residence in Florida.
The Hakeem family expressed frustration with the pace and transparency of the investigation, as they sought justice for Azim and Mobeen. The community of Evanston was deeply affected by the loss, with many remembering the brothers as gentle and humble men who did not deserve such a tragic fate. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violent crime on families and communities.
