James Stroud Sr., an 80-year-old African American man, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on the morning of January 29, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the 1400 block of West 90th Street in the Brainerd neighborhood. Stroud Sr. was sitting in his vehicle when another car pulled up beside him. A gunman inside the vehicle fired multiple shots, striking him in the head and back.
He was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Stroud Sr. was a retired tow truck driver who had recently stepped away from his profession to enjoy his later years. His family described him as a kind and hardworking man who was simply living his life after retirement. His son, James Stroud Jr., expressed shock and grief over the sudden loss, stating that he had spoken to his father the night before and never imagined such a tragedy would occur. Stroud Jr. emphasized that his father did not live in the area where the shooting took place and that the family had no idea why he was there that morning. He had reportedly planned to visit a bank to withdraw money and pay bills.
Authorities have confirmed that no suspects are currently in custody, and an investigation is ongoing. Police scanner audio suggested that the suspect's vehicle might have been a black Mitsubishi sedan with tinted windows, though conflicting reports indicated it could have been a GMC. Witnesses reported hearing five gunshots before seeing Stroud Sr. slumped inside his burgundy SUV. His driver’s side window was riddled with bullet holes.
Stroud Sr.’s family and neighbors are pleading for justice, urging anyone with information to come forward. His son described the act as cowardly and expressed hope that those responsible would be held accountable. The Chicago Police Department has encouraged individuals with tips to submit information through their anonymous reporting system. Area Two detectives continue to investigate the case, searching for leads that could identify the perpetrator or perpetrators behind the fatal shooting.
