On April 27, 2023, a tragic incident occurred at Frank's Chicago Shrimp House, located at 6539 W. 79th St. in Burbank, Illinois. At approximately 6:36 p.m., 21-year-old Devon Williams entered the restaurant during the dinner hour. Upon entering, Williams removed a handgun from his waistband and shot 55-year-old Melissa Hoddenbach, an employee of the restaurant, multiple times.
Hoddenbach was found lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite the efforts of the responding officers to render aid, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After shooting Hoddenbach, Williams turned the gun on himself and inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found lying on the floor along with Hoddenbach and was immediately transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. However, Williams died shortly after arrival at the hospital.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office ruled the incident as a murder-suicide on the following day. The Burbank Police Department's Investigations Division is still investigating the case, although authorities have stated that this was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.
The community of Burbank has been left shocked and saddened by the incident, particularly given Hoddenbach's dedication as an employee at the Chicago Shrimp House. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
The investigation is ongoing, and any additional information will be provided as it becomes available. The incident has been marked as a tragic loss due to gun violence, with Melissa Hoddenbach remembered as a victim of this senseless act.
