Joanne Perry, a 64-year-old mother of six and a two-time cancer survivor, was tragically killed on the morning of August 19, 2026, in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighborhood. She was walking to a local convenience store to play the lottery, a simple part of her daily routine, when she was struck by a stray bullet. The incident occurred around 11:53 a.m. near the intersection of Pulaski Road and Jackson Boulevard. Perry was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound to her chest and was subsequently pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Authorities have stated that Perry was an innocent bystander and not the intended target of the shooting. The gunfire erupted when two men approached a 25-year-old man in the 200 block of South Pulaski Road and at least one of them opened fire. The 25-year-old man, who was the apparent target, was shot multiple times and also died from his injuries. The gunmen chased the man for several blocks, firing recklessly, and it was during this pursuit that one of the bullets struck and killed Joanne Perry. The suspects were seen fleeing the scene in a black sedan.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the double homicide that claimed the life of Joanne Perry and the 25-year-old man. Chicago police are actively investigating the case and were reviewing surveillance video from the area. Community leaders and family members have expressed their outrage and grief over the senseless violence that took the life of a beloved mother and grandmother. The case remains an open investigation as authorities continue to seek information from the public to bring the responsible individuals to justice. This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives within the community.
