Blake Ross, a 20-year-old from Evanston, Illinois, was tragically killed on May 12, 2013, in a shooting on the South Side of Chicago. Authorities found Ross with multiple gunshot wounds on East 76th Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. Ross had previously attended Evanston Township High School and lived in the 2300 block of Greenwood Street.
His family remembered him as a loving uncle and aspiring performer who was passionate about music, particularly Michael Jackson's songs, which held a special place in his heart. His sister, Samantha Miles, fondly recalled Blake's efforts to help care for her daughters, remembering him as a caring and joyful presence despite the hardships he faced in recent years.
Ross’s death is believed to be connected to an ongoing series of violent incidents that have affected both Chicago and Evanston. Just a few days prior to his death, there was another shooting near the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center in Evanston, where Blake was thought to be an intended target. The circumstances surrounding his death suggest a potential link to gang activity, and local authorities indicated that Blake might have been caught in the escalation of long-standing disputes in the community. Evanston Police Commander Jay Parrott stated that Ross was likely the target of recent gun violence and that the incident seemed gang-related, but this narrative was not universally accepted by all community members.
The killing of Blake Ross came amidst heightened tensions and ongoing conflicts in his neighborhood, with several young lives being lost in recent years. Community members expressed their grief and concerns during a meeting in Evanston's 5th Ward, where local leaders committed to finding solutions to the rising violence. Blake's sister spoke of his dreams and aspirations, including his goal of a music career, highlighting how he had even met with a producer a couple of years before his death. Despite his troubled history, which included previous arrests, Blake Ross was remembered by his family as someone who brought light and joy to those around him.
