Loyce Wright, a 43-year-old father of four, was fatally shot on February 23, 2024, while working as a security guard at the Family Dollar store located at 5410 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when a suspect, later identified as Rodgerick O’Neal, 36, of Maywood, entered the store and opened fire on Wright, striking him multiple times.
Wright was immediately taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The shooting is believed to have resulted from a prior argument between Wright and O’Neal, who had previously worked at the store.
Following the shooting, police launched an investigation and, acting on a tip, arrested O’Neal on Saturday in suburban Dolton. During the arrest, officers and O’Neal exchanged gunfire, but no one was wounded in the incident.
O’Neal has been charged with multiple felonies, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and six misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing a police officer. His pretrial detention hearing was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was delayed due to his hospitalization.
The community has rallied in support of Wright's family, organizing a public safety march and a business and safety walk on Chicago Avenue. Neighbors, business owners, and local officials have come together to show their support and compassion for the grieving family. The funeral costs for Wright have been covered through donations from the community, and a GoFundMe page set up by his daughter, Shanice Wright, has raised over $10,000 to support his daughters' future needs.
Loyce Wright is remembered as a selfless man who loved his community and took care of others as if they were his own family. His daughter described him as the greatest father, who never let his children forget how much he loved them. Friends and community members have expressed their grief and shock over the tragic event, with many calling for tighter gun laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
