Anthony Bowers

Anthony Bowers, a 61-year-old African-American man, was a beloved family member and a dedicated school bus driver known for his warm spirit. An Army veteran, he had been driving a school bus for nearly a decade, and although he had no children of his own, he cared deeply for the students he transported each day. In his free time, Anthony also found enjoyment working as an extra in television shows and movies. His family remembers him as someone who simply loved life. His mother, Vivian, was so concerned about his safety waiting for public transportation in the early morning hours that just a week before his death, she gifted him a car. After that, he would call her every day when he got home from work to let her know he was safe.

The sense of security the new car provided was tragically shattered on the morning of December 3, 2015. Around 6 a.m., Anthony was leaving his home on the 12100 block of South Michigan Avenue in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood to head to work. His wife, Robin, was usually in the habit of watching him from the doorway until he drove off, keenly aware of the potential dangers in their area. On this particular morning, however, she stepped away from the door. As she walked through her living room, she heard a single, sharp "pop." Rushing back to the front door, she was met with a horrific scene: her husband was lying facedown in the street next to his car.

Anthony Bowers had been shot once in the head. First responders arrived to find him unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The sudden and brutal nature of his death left his family reeling. His sister, Veronica, expressed her shock, stating, "He was just a good person. There was no reason for this to happen. None whatsoever." His mother, Vivian, overcome with grief, could only repeat, "I'm going to miss him so much." His wife, Robin, described the attack as an "assassination," baffled as to who would target her husband and why.

The Chicago Police Department opened a homicide investigation into Anthony's death. Detectives began canvassing the neighborhood and looking for evidence. Family members were told that investigators were reviewing surveillance video from the area in the hopes of finding clues that could lead to the person responsible for the killing. The community was left shaken by the seemingly random act of violence that took the life of a man known for his kindness and his role in caring for the neighborhood's children. His death was one of nearly 470 homicides that occurred in Chicago in 2015, a year marked by a significant increase in gun violence across the city.

In the years since Anthony’s murder, his family has been left with unanswered questions and the enduring pain of their loss. Despite the initial investigation and the search for surveillance footage, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case has grown cold, compounding the tragedy for his loved ones who are still seeking justice.

The investigation into the murder of Anthony Bowers remains open. As of late 2023, there has been no new public information released by the Chicago Police Department regarding any leads or persons of interest. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. His family and community continue to hope that someone will come forward with information that could finally solve this senseless crime and bring a measure of peace to those who continue to mourn him.