On November 25, 2023, a homicide investigation was initiated in Crest Hill, Illinois, following the tragic shooting of Uarl Hunter, a 31-year-old resident of Lockport Township. The incident occurred on Elizabeth Court in Crest Hill, where police officers responded to a report of shots fired around 3:12 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Hunter lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital by Lockport Township Fire Department medics but succumbed to his injuries.
The Will County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on November 26, 2023, which confirmed that Hunter died from multiple gunshot wounds. The final cause and manner of death are still pending further investigation.
The Crest Hill Police Department, in collaboration with the Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, is actively investigating the case. They believe the shooting was a targeted incident and not a threat to the broader community. The police are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact Detective Steen at 815-741-5115 or to provide anonymous tips through Will County Crime Stoppers.
This incident marks one of two fatal shootings on Elizabeth Court within a short period. Another fatal shooting occurred on the same street on December 19, 2023, resulting in the death of Damen McKenzie, 47, of Crest Hill. The Crest Hill Police are exploring the possibility of a link between the two shootings, though no connection between the victims has been confirmed as of yet.
Both shootings are considered targeted incidents, and the police have assured the community, including nearby schools, that there is no indication of a broader threat. The investigations are ongoing, with detectives working diligently to gather more information and identify any suspects involved in these incidents.
