Walter Hughes III, a 40-year-old Black man, was shot and killed on January 10, 2022, in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Officers responded to calls of gunfire about 10:00 PM in the 400 block of North Laramie Avenue and found Hughes on the ground with gunshot wounds to the back of his head and buttocks. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead at 10:47 PM.

Chicago police arrested 42-year-old Michael Cooper and charged him with murder in connection with the shooting. Cooper was apprehended on February 9, 2022, in the 800 block of North Kedzie Avenue and was scheduled to appear in court following his arrest. The incident occurred amid a month that the 15th District reported at least 10 shootings in the area, part of a longer pattern of gun violence in Austin.

Anyone who knew Walter, witnessed the January 10 shooting, or has information relevant to the case is asked to come forward.