On January 9, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in the South Side of Chicago, resulting in the death of 43-year-old Shadi Mohammad Suleimen Almomani. Almomani, an employee of Half Moon Grocery located in the 300-block of East 79th Street in the Grand Crossing area, was shot and killed just after getting off work.
The shooting took place in the alley behind the store around 10:15 p.m.
According to police, Almomani was sitting in his car when a man approached him in an attempted armed robbery. The incident was captured by one of the store's security cameras, which showed the perpetrator collecting Almomani's belongings, including money and IDs. When Almomani attempted to defend himself, the attacker shot him in the head. Almomani died at the scene, and the assailant fled the area.
Almomani was a former police officer in Jordan who had moved to the United States in August 2023 to provide a better life for his wife and three children back home. He was working overnight shifts at the convenience store to support his family.
The community and the store's owner, Rami Kanaan, who described Almomani as a longtime friend, expressed deep sadness, grief, and outrage over the senseless murder. Kanaan emphasized the tragedy of the situation, stating, "They just took my brother's life over what? Over money It's not worth it."
As of the latest reports, no one is in custody for the crime. Area Two detectives are investigating the case, and local authorities, including 6th Ward Alderman William Hall, have urged anyone with information about the killer to come forward, highlighting that someone in the community may be harboring the perpetrator.
