Jaquinn Sawyer, a 44-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois, was tragically shot to death on the evening of December 18, 2023. The incident occurred at his home on the 1600 block of North Mango, between North and Wabansia avenues. According to police reports, Sawyer was shot multiple times at his doorstep around 7:50 p.m. as he was returning home.
Sawyer, known affectionately as "Jock," was a native of Chicago's Westside and had a strong connection to his community.
He was a chef, having received his Associate Degree and Culinary License from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Sawyer was a devoted family man, leaving behind his mother, Dorothy Ann Sawyer, and his daughter, Jaleah Lynch, among other family members and friends.
The investigation into Sawyer's murder is ongoing, and the police have not yet determined if the shooting was a hate crime or a personal vendetta. The community has rallied around Sawyer's family, with local activist Jonathan Todd leading the response and organizing community events, including a balloon release, to honor Sawyer's memory and seek justice.
To aid in the investigation, Sawyer's family, with the help of his neighbors, has offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Additionally, Crime Stoppers has increased the reward to $15,000 for tips that could help solve the case.
The community's reaction to Sawyer's death has been one of deep sorrow and a strong call for justice. Pastor Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging anyone with knowledge about the crime to come forward to avoid becoming a co-conspirator to the murder. The community remains committed to finding the person responsible and ensuring that justice is served.
