David Ford, a 63-year-old man from Chicago, IL, was found dead in his Norwood Park home on September 17, 1999. His body was discovered in the basement, bound with duct tape and an extension cord. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Ford died from multiple injuries related to assault, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation into Ford's death led to the arrest of two suspects, both adult migrants from Venezuela and Ecuador.
According to police sources, the suspects crossed into the United States through the Texas border in the summer of 2023. They were believed to have met Ford through a gay dating app, and the incident was suspected to be a targeted robbery attack. One of the suspects had been previously arrested in Chicago on January 12, 2025, for allegedly trying to lure children but was released the next day.
Chicago police launched a homicide investigation, and Area Five detectives were assigned to the case. The suspects were taken into custody and questioned about their involvement in Ford's death. The investigation revealed that the suspects may have stolen items from Ford during their encounter. The case drew significant attention due to the suspects' undocumented status and the implications for the city's Sanctuary City policies.
The suspects' arrests and the circumstances surrounding Ford's death highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with violent crimes committed by undocumented migrants. The case also underscored the need for cooperation between local and federal authorities in addressing such incidents.
In summary, David Ford's death was a tragic incident that led to the arrest of two suspects and raised important questions about immigration enforcement and public safety in Chicago.
