On the evening of Friday, April 17, 2026, tragedy struck in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, claiming the life of 36-year-old Lavell Lee. The incident unfolded just before 5:00 p.m. near the intersection of West Maypole Avenue and North Pulaski Road, a block lined with businesses and homes. Lee, along with a group of other people, was on the sidewalk when a vehicle pulled up.
At least two individuals exited the vehicle and opened fire on the group.
The sudden burst of gunfire resulted in multiple casualties. Lavell Lee was fatally wounded in the attack. Two other individuals also lost their lives in the shooting: 27-year-old Kenneth M. Bell, Jr., and 32-year-old Rickia Williams. A fourth person was critically injured in the assault.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Chicago police began an investigation into the triple homicide. As of the initial reports, no suspects were in custody, and authorities were actively searching for at least two offenders. To aid in the investigation, Cook County Crime Stoppers announced a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. Investigators are hopeful that the numerous cameras in the vicinity of the shooting will provide crucial evidence to help identify those responsible for the deaths of Lavell Lee, Kenneth M. Bell, Jr., and Rickia Williams.
