CHICAGO — Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a man during a Facebook Live broadcast on the West Side of the city. The incident, which has drawn widespread attention, occurred just blocks from a police station in the South Austin neighborhood.
Kevin Watson, 42, was shot around 6:14 p.m. Wednesday while in his vehicle in the 5000 block of West Madison Street. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene that unfolded after Watson exited a car and was approached by another individual who opened fire. Tragically, the shooting was captured in real time, attracting nearly two million views online.
Witnesses are expressing their grief and shock over the incident. Friends who were present during the shooting shared heart-wrenching details of Watson’s last moments. “He was struggling to breathe,” said Jacquez Smith, a cousin of the victim. Smith recounted the painful experience of holding Watson’s hand, hoping for a response that never came.
The moments leading up to the tragedy saw Watson departing his cousin’s workplace, a liquor store, to start his Facebook Live stream. Close friend Alvin Jackson recounted that Watson had been speaking with someone before heading to his car. That individual reportedly followed Watson and initiated the confrontation that led to the shooting.
Watson sustained a gunshot wound to his chest and was later pronounced dead from his injuries, confirmed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. The man’s family is now left to navigate a painful loss, especially as Watson was only weeks away from his birthday. They described him as a supportive figure in their lives, emphasizing his positive influence in the community.
Freddie Collier, another close friend, articulated the collective heartache felt by those who knew Watson. “This isn’t just a loss for one person; it has impacted so many of us,” he said. Relatives noted that Watson is survived by his 6-year-old son, adding another layer of tragedy to the incident.
As of now, the police have not established a motive for the shooting, and no arrests have been made. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking crime.