Robert Little

Robert Little was a 33-year-old Black man who was married with seven children and another on the way. He lived in Chicago's Garfield Park neighborhood.

On the night of August 19, 2024, police responded to a gunshot detection alert around 10:25 p.m. in the 4800 block of West West End Avenue. They found Robert Little on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to his face and arms. Paramedics transported him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:00 p.m.

The investigation quickly led police to identify Robert's brother, 38-year-old Osceola L. Little of Everett, Washington, as the suspect. The next day, August 20, law enforcement spotted a dark blue Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck flagged in the case and began a pursuit in a Chicago suburb. The truck, driven by Osceola Little, eventually rear-ended another vehicle at Route 14 and Pepper Road in Lake Barrington. Little and his passenger, 22-year-old Luisa Sanchez of Cary, then fled the scene on foot.

Their escape launched a massive, day-long manhunt involving numerous police agencies, more than 20 canine teams, and over 10 drones. During the search, deputies located Sanchez at a gas station, where she was attempting to blend in with onlookers. She was arrested, and investigators later found a firearm she had hidden in a bathroom air vent, which they believe was the weapon used in Robert Little's murder.

Around 6:20 p.m., Osceola Little was spotted and ran into an occupied industrial building on Pepper Road. Sheriff’s deputies safely evacuated the employees and contained Little to an office. After negotiations, he surrendered to authorities at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Following their arrests, Osceola Little was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Luisa Sanchez was charged with obstructing justice, aiding a fugitive, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors later formally charged Osceola Little with first-degree murder for the death of Robert Little. A judge denied pre-trial release for both suspects. The case was proceeding through the court system as of August 2024.