Thomas Sebastinelli, 48, was found shot and pronounced dead about 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2025, on the 4100 block of Cedar Springs Road in Oak Lawn. The street, known for late-night foot traffic and weekend parades, was cordoned off while detectives reconstructed the moments leading to the gunfire and canvassed for witnesses.

Investigators opened case number 136097-2025 and asked anyone who saw or heard anything to contact Detective Ronald Kramer. By late morning police named 32-year-old Earnest Polk as the person they believe shot Sebastinelli and booked Polk on a murder charge. Jail records show Polk was booked at 8:41 a.m.

Community posts and memorial pages recorded Sebastinelli’s name and age, but the motive has not been released. If anyone saw activity on Cedar Springs Road before or after 1:20 a.m. on September 21, contact Detective Ronald Kramer with information.