Chicago, IL: Kevin Patel, a 28-year-old Indian-American man, was tragically shot in the chest and killed on the evening of April 16 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, a neighborhood known for its historic charm and upscale residences.
Key Facts:
- The shooting occurred around 9:20 p.m. on April 16, 2025, on the 800 block of West Lill Avenue in Lincoln Park.
- Kevin Patel was found wounded by resident Garret Moores, who provided first aid and called 911 before Patel’s death at the hospital.
- No arrests or suspect identifications have been made as of April 18, and police have increased patrols in the area.
The incident unfolded late Wednesday evening when Garret Moores, a nearby resident, heard the gunshot and immediately went outside to find Patel lying wounded on the sidewalk.
Moores quickly grabbed towels to stem the bleeding and kept Patel conscious by calmly talking to him until paramedics arrived.
Despite these efforts, Patel died in the hospital.
Police discovered shell casings and other evidence at the scene but have yet to determine the motive or identify suspects.
Witnesses reported seeing a man and woman fleeing east on foot.
The shooting has shocked the Lincoln Park community, which residents describe as generally safe and peaceful.
Local alderman Timmy Knudsen has called for anyone with information to assist the investigation, emphasizing the rarity of such violent crimes in the neighborhood.
Resident Joane Moss expressed the community’s alarm, saying, “It’s heartbreaking and unsettling because this is not the kind of neighborhood where you expect something like this to happen.”
This tragedy also highlights the broader issue of gun violence in the United States, which remains a national crisis with tens of thousands of deaths annually.
The Chicago Police Department’s increased presence aims to reassure residents and prevent further incidents.
Kevin Patel’s death marks a painful moment for the Indian diaspora and the broader Chicago community, raising urgent questions about public safety and justice.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office officially identified Patel late on April 16, and the investigation continues with detectives from the Belmont Area unit.
Garret Moores, who tried to save Patel, poignantly reflected on the moment: “We were just talking to him, telling him to breathe slowly, try to take long, deep breaths — and you could tell he was responsive, which was encouraging.”
The key takeaway is that while the community mourns a young life lost, the investigation’s progress depends on public cooperation.
Police encourage anyone with information to contact them promptly to help bring justice for Kevin Patel and restore safety to Lincoln Park.
Do You Know?
Chicago’s Lincoln Park is known not only for its affluent homes but also for its namesake park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., featuring a zoo, conservatory, and lakefront trails—making the neighborhood a popular spot for families and tourists alike.
Key Terms:
Lincoln Park: A historic and upscale neighborhood in Chicago known for its residential charm and recreational spaces.
Cook County Medical Examiner: The official office responsible for identifying deceased individuals and determining causes of death in Cook County, Illinois.
Belmont Area Detectives: A specialized unit of the Chicago Police Department responsible for investigating crimes in the Belmont neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Gunshot wound: An injury caused by a bullet or projectile fired from a gun.
Indian-American diaspora: People of Indian origin living outside India, particularly in the United States.