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A 30-year-old father and Army veteran was shot and killed Friday night while sitting in his vehicle in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.
The victim, identified by loved ones as Andrew Garay, was parked in the 3500 block of West Wabansia Avenue around 8:54 p.m.
Chicago Police report that a gunman approached Garay’s 2020 Nissan Murano and opened fire without provocation.
Garay suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The shooter, described as a man wearing a red hoodie, reportedly fled the scene on foot through a nearby gangway.
Family members reveal that Garay was a dedicated Army veteran and Military Police officer who was currently training to join the police force.
At the time of the attack, Garay was reportedly dropping off his girlfriend and her daughter at their residence.
While authorities have not officially named a motive, Garay’s family is calling for investigators to look into specific individuals related to the drop-off location.
Garay is being remembered as a “kind-hearted man” and a hardworking father whose presence brought light to everyone he met.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support his young children and cover funeral expenses as the family seeks justice.
As of Sunday, no suspects are in custody, and Chicago Area Five detectives are leading the ongoing investigation.
Tributes and Statements from the Garay Family
The following statements have been shared by Andrew Garay’s family and friends, offering a deeper look into his life and the circumstances of the tragedy.
Samantha Knutt:
“This was a very unexpected and tragic loss for our family. If you knew Andrew, you knew he was such a kind-hearted man. He loved everyone. He was the kind of man to give you the shirt off his back even if it was the last thing he had. He had a personality that lit up any room he walked into. He was a hardworking and dedicated father.”
A Close Cousin:
“He was one of the most genuine human beings there ever was. Literally so kind and loving. He was an incredible father and a loving son. He was not just our cousin but our best friend! An army vet, MP and was actually on his road to being an officer. Love you forever and always Drew Bear.”
Direct Statement from Garay’s Cousin regarding the scene:
“This is my cousin. Correction: he was dropping off/picking up his girlfriend’s kid at their dad’s (with the girlfriend present) when someone from that same building came out and shot him while he was sitting in his car. CPD needs to look into the girlfriend and baby daddy! We want justice!”
Andrew’s Sibling on the investigation:
“This is my brother. Just for correction, he was dropping off his girlfriend and her daughter home. He was waiting for them to go inside when he was shot. The baby daddy definitely needs to be brought in for questioning.”
Community Member:
“I was raised at Humboldt Park when things were so bad, but now they are so horrible. I despise going down that way. Some asshole who had nothing better to do just took a precious life. My heart hurts so bad. Andrew, you will be missed. Prayers for my Garay Family.”
