On April 10, 2025, Derrick Golliday, a 35-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in Washington Park, Illinois. The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. in the 1200 block of North 53rd Street. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene at 2:13 a.m. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. confirmed his identity and noted that Golliday appeared to have been unhoused at the time of his death.
The Washington Park Police Department requested assistance from the Illinois State Police to investigate the shooting. As of the latest available reports, authorities have not released information regarding any arrests, suspects, or motives related to the case. This incident marked the third homicide in Washington Park in 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in the area.
Derrick Golliday was remembered by those who knew him for his resilience and ability to connect with others, despite facing personal hardships. His obituary reflects a man who, though experiencing homelessness, was more than his circumstances—a son, a friend, and an individual with hopes and struggles.
A memorial service for Derrick Golliday was held on April 26, 2025, at New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. Family and friends gathered to honor his life and legacy.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to assist in bringing closure to Derrick Golliday's family and the community.
