Larry Neuman, 73, a retired Chicago Police Department explosives technician and longtime resident of West Garfield Park, was shot to death June 20, 2024, outside his home in the 4300 block of West Monroe Street. The shooting happened about 11:30 a.m. while Neuman was in his front yard paying a lawn worker. Two teenagers wearing ski masks and dark clothing approached; one shouted freeze and tried to grab Neuman. According to reports, Neuman reached for a gun in his waistband, exchanged gunfire with the assailants, and pushed the lawn worker out of the way before being struck multiple times in the chest and leg.

He was taken to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead. Neuman was CPD’s longest-serving bomb technician, retired in 2010, later worked as an explosives specialist for TSA at O’Hare and Midway, and served as a minister at Saint Michael Missionary Baptist Church. A 16-year-old surrendered and was charged with first-degree murder; a 17-year-old was arrested June 28, 2024, and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. A combined $75,000 reward was offered for information.

Was anyone in West Garfield Park that morning able to see or hear something that could help the case?