Police found at least 42 shell casings at the scene of a drive-by shooting that left a man dead in the West Loop early Monday, according to a CPD report. The murder unfolded on a block that’s home to the Morgan CTA station, Federales tequila bar, Molly’s Cupcakes, Shake Shack, and other popular eateries.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the victim as 38-year-old John Blackman of the Roseland neighborhood.
Blackman was standing on a sidewalk in the 100 block of North Morgan when more than three dozen shots were fired from a silver sedan that rolled by and then sped east on Lake Street, according to a CPD report. Blackman was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police reportedly found shell casings from more than one caliber, which indicates there may have been more than one gunman involved.
Posts to Blackman’s Facebook page suggest he was working to create a new life for himself.
“To all my lil niggas hollering that gang shit, FUCK your GANG!!!” Blackman wrote in January 2018. “I bet when your Lil Dumb ass dead or in jail with football jersey numbers all they gone do is say Free you or R.I.P!!! Y’all kids still go be bastards because of the GANG. U were not put on this Earth for the GANG. CHANGE YOUR FUCKING WAYS STUPID!!!!”
Many people posted positive memories of Blackman after hearing about his death.
“The most open hearted person I knew,” wrote one.
“Ain’t no way this was meant for you G,” wrote another. “Praying for Dominique Blackman and the entire family.”
“PRAY for his sister, daughters, his sons, grandchildren,” said another. “ALLLLLLLL of us we sat on Damen everyday minding our business & that still wasn’t enough for Chicago.”
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