Michael Kozel, aged 57, was killed on January 2, 2013, during a robbery at his muffler shop, Independent Mufflers Inc., located in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago. The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. when two armed men entered the shop and demanded money. As Kozel attempted to flee, he was shot in the back. He was transported to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County but succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
Kozel's murder was one of several homicides that occurred in the early days of 2013, highlighting the persistent violence in Chicago. Authorities released a sketch of the suspects, seeking assistance from the public to identify the perpetrators. Kozel was remembered as a dedicated family man and business owner, and his death brought a community together to demand justice and safety improvements for local businesses.
