Corey Brownlee

Corey Brownlee, a man remembered by loved ones as a protective family man and the life of every party, was 32 years old and a father to five children. A former student of Kozminski Elementary and Tilden High School in Chicago, he was known to friends by the nicknames "Co" and "Dip." His life was characterized by a respectful and vibrant personality that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

In the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2014, Corey’s life was cut short by gun violence. He was with a 27-year-old woman in the rear of a building on the 6000 block of South Indiana Avenue, the same block where he lived in the South Side’s Washington Park neighborhood. At approximately 2:40 a.m., an unknown assailant opened fire. Corey was struck in the chest, a fatal wound that would end his life. The woman with him was shot in her lower right leg.

First responders rushed both Corey and his companion to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Corey was pronounced dead at 3:26 a.m. The woman who was shot alongside him was listed in stable condition and survived her injuries. The shooting was another violent act in a city that was experiencing a particularly brutal weekend. Reports from that time noted that Corey was one of four people killed, and one of at least 36 people shot across Chicago in a span of just a few days.

The Chicago Police Department’s Area Central detectives were assigned to lead the homicide investigation. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police canvassed the Washington Park neighborhood, a community area on the city's South Side known for its large historic park and proximity to the University of Chicago. However, authorities reported that no one was in custody, and no description of a suspect was released to the public.

In the years since Corey Brownlee's death, there have been no public announcements regarding arrests or charges filed in connection with his murder. The investigation has yielded no significant breakthroughs that have been shared with the public, and no persons of interest have been officially named. The case, like many others, has grown cold over time, leaving a family without answers and a community mourning a life taken too soon.

The loss of Corey Brownlee continues to be felt by his family and friends. An online memorial page shows that hundreds of virtual candles have been lit in his memory, a testament to the man described as a respectful and protective presence in the lives of those he loved. His death serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenge of gun violence that has affected countless families in Chicago and across the nation.

As of late 2026, the murder of Corey Brownlee remains unsolved. The Chicago Police Department has not released any new information, and the case is still considered open. There is no reward being offered for information at this time. Authorities have not provided any further details about the investigation.