On December 1, 2012, Shemara Fitzpatrick, a 23-year-old African American woman from Chicago, was fatally shot in the chest while walking with her boyfriend, David Freeman, in the 4800 block of West Fulton Street in the Austin neighborhood. The assailant exited a vehicle and opened fire, also injuring Freeman. Fitzpatrick was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital at 3:46 p.m.
Authorities believe that David Freeman, a 34-year-old African American man and known member of the Cicero Insane Vice Lords gang, was the intended target of the shooting. The attack is thought to be part of an ongoing conflict with the rival Mafia Insane Vice Lords gang.
In the days following the shooting, law enforcement expressed concern that Freeman might seek retaliation against rival gang members or become a target himself during Fitzpatrick's funeral. To mitigate potential violence, police and the Illinois Department of Corrections conducted an emergency parolee check on Freeman's residence. They discovered a handgun, leading to his arrest for unlawful use of a weapon and a parole violation.
Fitzpatrick's funeral was held on December 13, 2012, at a funeral home located across the street from the Austin District police station. Given the gang affiliations involved, police maintained a discreet but vigilant presence to ensure the safety of mourners and prevent any retaliatory acts.
As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in connection with Shemara Fitzpatrick's homicide. The case remains unsolved.
