On November 4, 2023, Cariel Hansell Devan Parks, a 29-year-old African American male from Chicago, Illinois, was tragically killed in a triple homicide in the Brighton Park neighborhood. The incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. in the 3100 block of West 39th Place. Chicago police officers responding to the scene discovered two men—Cariel Hansell Devan Parks and 29-year-old Derrick Byrd—fatally shot inside a red Dodge SUV.
A third victim, 19-year-old Hugo Gallardo Jr., was found deceased on the ground nearby, having suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Cariel Hansell Devan Parks was a graduate of Corliss High School and had attended the Globe Institute of Technology in New York, where he pursued his passion for football. He later returned to Chicago to be closer to his family and was employed as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. Known for his vibrant personality, Cariel was described as caring, fun-loving, and always ready to uplift those around him. He was deeply involved in his community and church, attending House of Hope Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Kathleen Miles.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Chicago police arrested 19-year-old Jesus Franco. Prosecutors allege that Franco, along with Gallardo and another accomplice, drove to the location and initiated an attack on Parks and Byrd, who were seated in their vehicle. During the assault, the third accomplice reportedly opened fire, killing all three victims, including Gallardo. Franco is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of murder during the commission of another forcible felony, and unlawful vehicular invasion. He is currently being held without bail.
As of now, the third accomplice involved in the shooting remains at large. Chicago police have identified this individual and have issued citywide alerts in an effort to locate and apprehend him.
Cariel Hansell Devan Parks is remembered by his family, friends, and community as a beacon of positivity and strength. His untimely death underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Chicago and the profound impact it has on victims and their loved ones.
