Brendon L. Frazier, a 23-year-old African-American man remembered as a loving and funny family man, was a beloved son, father, brother, and friend. Those who knew him recalled his strong, joking personality and considered him a best friend for life. On a tribute page, loved ones shared memories, calling him their "shadow" and "fav cuz," and noted that he was a father to a son and daughter. He attended Earle Elementary School, Libby School, Roberson School, and Richards High School. His death left a void in his family, with one relative writing, "the family aint the same," and his mother expressing, "Will def miss my baby my son my heart."
On the night of Friday, July 21, 2017, Brendon was on the South Side of Chicago, in the same neighborhood where he lived. At approximately 10:19 p.m., Chicago Police officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 8800 block of South Eggleston Avenue in the Gresham neighborhood.
The block, lined with brick homes and manicured lawns, became a crime scene as rain poured down. When police arrived, they discovered Brendon with gunshot wounds to his side and buttocks. Paramedics were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:35 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
Brendon's death was the first homicide in a weekend that saw six people killed and at least 36 others wounded in shootings across the city. The violence that plagued Chicago that year was a persistent concern for residents and city officials. By late September 2017, the city had already surpassed 500 homicides for the year, a grim milestone that underscored the challenges faced by many communities. The Gresham neighborhood, like other areas on the South Side, had contended with issues of gun violence that disproportionately affected young men.
The Chicago Police Department handled the initial investigation into Brendon Frazier's murder. Officers searched for evidence on South Eggleston Avenue in the aftermath of the shooting, but no public information was released regarding potential suspects or a motive in the case. The circumstances leading up to the gunfire remain unclear, and there have been no subsequent announcements of arrests or charges filed in connection with the homicide.
The loss was felt deeply by Brendon’s family and friends. His tribute page is filled with messages of love and grief. "I Love You Brendon Kiss Our Son For Me," wrote the mother of his child. Another message reads, "Miss u so much watch over our daughter gorilla." A friend wrote, "You will always be in my heart bro. Carrying you every where i go. Miss you being here like crazy." These messages paint a picture of a young man who was cherished by many and whose absence created an irreplaceable void.
As of this writing, the murder of Brendon L. Frazier remains unsolved. His case is one of many in Chicago where families await answers and justice for their loved ones. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities typically rely on tips from the public to help solve such crimes. No reward has been publicly offered for information. Anyone with knowledge about the shooting that occurred on the night of July 21, 2017, is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department.
