A large Father’s Day gathering at Smith Park in the Roseland neighborhood turned deadly on June 18, 2023, when a gray Honda sedan pulled up alongside the crowd and occupants opened fire. Two men were killed: 32-year-old Brian Ross, a father of four, who was shot in the neck and later died at Advocate Christ Medical Center, and 38-year-old Robert Barnes, who was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. About 200 people had been attending the decades-long neighborhood event to grill and socialize when the shooting occurred.

Three other men were wounded and taken to area hospitals: a 27-year-old shot in the buttocks and shoulder (listed in critical condition), a 25-year-old shot in the torso, and a 19-year-old struck in both legs (both in fair condition). Witnesses, including Brian’s wife Kandace, said the shooters appeared indifferent to children and other bystanders. Police said the attack may be tied to conflicts between groups and that social media could have drawn the shooters to the park; no arrests have been announced.

If anyone at Smith Park that day or with information about the gray Honda or those responsible can help, please come forward.