Gerald Leo Wright was 46 and a Chicago Police Department officer with nearly 20 years’ service when he was killed on the night of August 6, 1993. He and his partner, Patrolman James Evitt, had stopped at Pat’s Food Store at 934 West 79th Street after a shift. Wright stepped outside to speak with Marlon Brown, a tenant living above the store, when two men identified as Gangster Disciples walked by. Steven Hass drew a .22 caliber firearm and fired five shots, striking Officer Wright under his right arm.

Wright was taken to Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn and was pronounced dead at 3:13 a.m. on August 7, 1993. The shooting has been described as unintended gang violence; Wright was not the intended target. Steven Hass was later convicted of first-degree murder and given a 100-year sentence, and Rafael Jackson received a 55-year sentence. Wright’s name appears on the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall.

If anyone knew Officer Wright, his patrol area, or saw activity near 934 West 79th Street that night, please share what is known.