Chicago, Illinois – Murder charges have been filed in connection to a fatal shooting that claimed the life of an innocent bystander in Greater Grand Crossing on Monday. The victim, 59-year-old Simon Brown, tragically lost his life while stopping to purchase a lottery ticket for his wife at a local corner store. The incident also left three others injured, including one of the alleged gunmen.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred around 5:45 p.m. near the intersection of 71st and State after an altercation escalated into gunfire. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert and discovered Brown and another innocent bystander with gunshot wounds. The second victim, a man using an ATM nearby, suffered critical injuries after being shot in the head. Another man involved in the initial confrontation later arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg in stable condition.
One of the suspected shooters, who was found near the scene with a leg injury, has been identified as 53-year-old Trivell Pruitt. Chicago police have charged him with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Pruitt is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
In a statement, Brown’s son emphasized the family’s pursuit of justice while grieving the loss of their patriarch. He described his father as a loving and supportive individual who played a significant role in his education and military career. Brown Jr., who is currently a senior majoring in computer science in Minnesota, highlighted his father’s anticipation of witnessing his upcoming graduation this spring.
The family shared that Brown was highly cherished by his loved ones and friends, reflecting on his positive impact on their lives. While they mourn his untimely passing, they are focusing on honoring his memory and the values he instilled in them. As authorities continue to search for the second suspect involved in the shooting, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.