Mohammed Imran MaAli

Mohammed I. Maali, a 33-year-old male store owner, was a beloved figure in his Chicago community, known affectionately as "Omar." His cousin, Hibba Haleem, described him as the "most amazing person you'd ever meet," someone who would give you the shirt off his back. He was known for his generosity, often extending credit to customers who were short on cash. Maali had opened his convenience store, Michigan Dollar Plus, in the Park Manor neighborhood only a few months before his death, hoping to build a better life for his family.

On the afternoon of February 7, 2020, a group entered Maali's store on East 71st Street to carry out a planned robbery. According to prosecutors, the incident began around 1:45 p.m. when one of the robbers locked the front door and another held Maali on the floor at gunpoint while others stuffed merchandise into trash bags. As the group fled through a rear door, Maali, who was a concealed carry license holder, drew his own 9mm handgun and fired at them. One of the robbers returned fire, striking Maali in the torso. He was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead that evening. An autopsy later confirmed he died from a gunshot wound, and his death was ruled a homicide.

In the shootout, Maali had wounded two of his assailants. Responding officers arrested four suspects shortly after the incident. A 34-year-old man had been shot in the leg, and a 17-year-old had been shot in the leg and body. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment. Investigators recovered a weapon and found evidence, including surveillance footage from the store, that helped them piece together the events. Prosecutors stated that one of the suspects later admitted to his role in planning and participating in the robbery.

Four individuals were charged in connection with the crime. Sammy Trice, 34, and his cousin, Anthony Carter, 17, were each charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. Trice’s two nephews, aged 13 and 15, were charged as juveniles with first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm. At the time of the robbery, Trice was on parole for a felony drug conviction, and Carter was on house arrest for a separate robbery case. A judge ordered Trice and Carter held without bail, calling them a danger to the community. Prosecutors also noted that a fifth person was involved in the robbery but remained at large. As of February 2020, the case against the four charged individuals was proceeding through the court system.