On September 26, 2024, Steven Cotner, a 23-year-old pizza delivery driver, was fatally shot during a robbery in Calumet City, Illinois. Steven was working for Windy City Pizza Works and was accompanying his sister, Allison, on a delivery to the 400 block of Merrill Avenue around 8 p.m. The delivery call turned out to be a ruse, and they were set up for an armed robbery.
During the incident, two teens dressed in black from head to toe, with only their eyes visible, approached Allison's car. One of the teens pointed a gun at Allison and demanded money, despite her insisting she had none. Steven, who was acting as security for his sister, intervened to protect her. The situation escalated, and one of the suspects used the grip of his gun to beat Allison in the left eye, leaving her with bruises and two stitches. Steven then engaged in a struggle with the armed robbers, and shortly after, two gunshots were heard. Steven was shot in the back and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The suspects, who were later identified as two 16-year-old teens, fled the scene without taking any money. The Calumet City Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force were involved in the investigation. Following the incident, the police went door-to-door in the neighborhood to gather evidence and find witnesses, indicating that the robbery was likely not targeted but rather a robbery gone bad.
As of October 3, 2024, the two 16-year-old teens were arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Steven Cotner's death. They made an initial court appearance at the Cook County Courthouse in Markham and were ordered to be held.
Steven Cotner's family, who are from Hammond, Indiana, were deeply affected by his death. He was the fifth child in a family of six and was known for his protective nature. His family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his funeral expenses, and Steven would have turned 24 on October 21, 2024.
