Makel Polk, 23, was shot in the upper back just before 3 a.m. on February 17, 2023, on the 700 block of South Lawndale Avenue in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment but later died of his wounds on March 7, 2023.

No arrests or individuals in custody have been reported in connection with the shooting, and no suspects are named. The family held a fundraiser organized by his mother, Tasha Polk, to help cover funeral expenses and planned a home-going service intended to celebrate Makel’s life and passions. Relatives described profound grief and shock at losing their youngest son to gun violence.

If anyone has information about the shooting on South Lawndale Avenue that could help the family or investigators, please share what you know.