On September 9, 2024, Naveen Singh, a 52-year-old resident of Chicago Heights and the owner of Emporium Liquors in Glenwood, Illinois, was fatally shot inside his store. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. at the store located at 339 E. Glenwood Lansing Rd. in Glenwood. According to police, the shooting resulted from an altercation between Singh and a customer, later identified as Antonio D. Diggines, a 27-year-old man from Calumet City.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one neighbor, Joann Clark, stating she heard about five gunshots. Another neighbor, Joe Clark, saw a young man leaving the store with a desperate look on his face shortly after the shooting.
Naveen Singh was pronounced dead at the scene. He was remembered by the community as a kind and responsible business owner who always had a smile and a kind word for his customers. The community was deeply affected by his death, with many gathering outside the store to pay their respects and setting up a memorial with flowers and candles.
Glenwood police, assisted by the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, quickly identified a person of interest in the case. By Tuesday afternoon, this individual was in custody. On Wednesday, September 12, 2024, Antonio D. Diggines was formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with Singh's death. Diggines was transferred to the Markham courthouse for a detention hearing.
The incident has prompted neighboring businesses to consider enhancing their security measures. Darrick Green, who owns a sandwich shop a few doors down from Emporium Liquors, is planning to upgrade his security systems, including installing new camera systems, at the urging of his father, Willie Green.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Naveen Singh, with a memorial vigil held outside the liquor store to honor his memory. Mayor Ronald J. Gardiner of Glenwood reflected on Singh's contributions to the community, describing him as a kind man who operated his store responsibly and always with a smile.
