Loyce Wright, a 43-year-old father of four, was fatally shot on February 23, 2024, while working as a security guard at the Family Dollar at 5410 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The shooting happened about 1:30 p.m. when a man later identified as Rodgerick O’Neal, 36, of Maywood, entered the store and opened fire, striking Wright multiple times. Wright was taken to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead.

Police say the shooting grew out of a prior argument between Wright and O’Neal, who had previously worked at the store. Officers arrested O’Neal in suburban Dolton after getting a tip; during that arrest they and O’Neal exchanged gunfire but no one was hurt. O’Neal faces multiple felony counts, including two counts of murder and other charges; his pretrial detention hearing was delayed because he was hospitalized.

The community has rallied around Wright’s family with a public safety march, a business and safety walk on Chicago Avenue, and fundraising that has covered funeral costs; a GoFundMe set up by his daughter Shanice Wright has raised over $10,000. Wright is remembered by family and neighbors as a selfless man who loved his community. If anyone knew Loyce, his routines at work, or saw anything on February 23, please come forward with information.