Antonio Padilla, 46, was shot and killed on a Little Village sidewalk near 26th Street and St. Louis on April 22, 2026. He was standing with family and friends when a male suspect approached and opened fire; Padilla was struck multiple times and later died at Mount Sinai Hospital. Three women who were with him were also wounded, one critically, and a one-year-old was nearby in a truck with the child’s mother.

Known in the neighborhood as Coco, Padilla had been a fruit vendor for six years and is survived by his wife and five children. Neighbors described him as generous; a family representative said they believe he may have been targeted because of his appearance rather than because of any criminal involvement. Surveillance released by police shows a white vehicle and three masked persons of interest, described as 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall in dark hoodies and pants. No arrests have been announced; Cook County Crime Stoppers and community activists have offered a significant cash reward for information.

Did anyone in Little Village see the white vehicle or the three masked people that afternoon?