Meshach Richardson, a 35-year-old man from Chicago, was shot to death on September 27, 2021, outside a South Side hookah lounge in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. He had been taking a cigarette break after a card game when an argument that began over Richardson’s habit of spitting while talking escalated. Edward McKissic, 38, followed Richardson outside, drew a gun from his waistband, and fired 17 times into Richardson’s back.

A lounge patron with a concealed carry license pursued McKissic, shot him in the arm, and helped police capture him a block away. McKissic was treated at the University of Chicago Medical Center and later charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors have relied on multiple eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage placing McKissic at the scene, while his attorney has argued self-defense; the footage does not show the shooting itself. McKissic was denied bail and remained in custody as the case proceeded. Richardson’s family and community continue to seek justice.

Did anyone witness Richardson inside the lounge that night or have information about what led to the argument?