Cornelius Hart, 37, was killed on December 31, 2018, in the Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago. The shooting happened shortly before 10 a.m. in the 300 block of East 53rd Street while Hart was standing near an apartment complex with several other people. An argument with a neighbor, identified as 27-year-old Deandre Brooks, escalated and Brooks produced a gun and fired multiple shots. One bullet struck Hart in the chest; he collapsed and died shortly afterward.

Brooks fled but was later arrested after three witnesses identified him as the shooter. He was charged with first-degree murder; during his arrest he resisted and allegedly assaulted officers, prompting additional aggravated battery to a police officer charges. Bail was denied, with the judge noting the severity of the offense and the presence of a 6-month-old infant near Hart during the shooting. Brooks’ next court date was set for January 24, 2019.

Anyone who knew Cornelius Hart, saw the events that morning, or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.