On July 16, 2023, Marshall Russell, a 32-year-old server at the Owen & Engine restaurant in Logan Square, Chicago, was fatally shot outside the California Clipper, a landmark bar and music venue in the Humboldt Park area. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. when Russell was leaving the California Clipper. According to Chicago police spokeswoman Michelle Tannehill, a silver sedan pulled up, and three or four people got out and attempted to rob Russell.
This led to a physical fight, during which one of the individuals fired shots at Russell.
Russell suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police investigation revealed that the attempted robbery escalated into the fatal shooting, but as of the reports, no arrests had been made, and the investigation was ongoing.
Marshall Russell was described by his colleagues and friends as a kind, passionate, and dedicated individual. He had worked at Owen & Engine for about a year and a half since the restaurant reopened after the pandemic shutdown. Russell was known for his big beard and tall frame and had interests in mixed martial arts and carpentry. He had recently shown his coworkers a card from a carpentry recruiter, indicating his excitement about starting a new career.
The incident had a profound impact on Russell's community. Owen & Engine closed on the Monday following his death to allow employees to process the tragedy. The California Clipper also closed for the day out of respect. Friends and coworkers, including Jeremy Miller, expressed their shock and grief over Russell's death, highlighting his positive presence and the significant loss felt by those who knew him.
The shooting was part of a violent weekend in Chicago, where at least six others were killed and 26 injured in various shootings across the city. Russell's death has left his friends, family, and the community in a deep state of shock, with many calling for justice and expressing the hope that those responsible would be brought to justice.
