Robert D Munn

Robert D. Munn was a man deeply rooted in his community, known for his dedication to his family, his church, and his neighborhood. A 29-year-old African-American man, Robert was the fourth of five children and was remembered by those who loved him as a giving and hilarious sweetheart, the kind of person who was always trying to help people. He had served one year in the U.S. Navy and pursued higher education at DeVry and Westwood Colleges after graduating from South Shore High School in 2001. His commitment to service was a constant thread in his life; he worked for the Safer Foundation, an organization focused on helping people with criminal records, and also served as the vice president of the 88th and 89th Street Block Club.

Robert's life was intertwined with the New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, located just across the street from his grandmother's home. According to the church's pastor, Rev. Louis Montgomery, who had known him since he was a child, Robert "grew up in the church." As a boy, he sang in the choir, and as he got older, he took on the responsibility of operating the sound system, a role he continued until his death. He also volunteered with the church's food pantry and the Junior Deacons ministry. His funeral obituary affectionately recalled him as "the DJ for various events as well as the comedian, never shying away from the microphone," and noted his colorful Sunday suits.

On the evening of September 24, 2012, Robert did something he often did after his shift as a security officer: he stopped by his grandmother's apartment in Chicago's Burnside neighborhood to check on her. At around 9 p.m., he left her building at 8850 South Cottage Grove Avenue and was walking to his car when he was shot. The attack was sudden and fatal.

Chicago Police officers responded to the scene and found Robert outside the apartment building. He was pronounced dead right there. The loss was a devastating blow not only to his family but to his church community as well. Rev. Montgomery expressed the profound grief of his congregation, stating, "to see that happen to a young man who was trying to do something in life, it has actually destroyed, put a hurt on our entire church.”

The investigation into Robert’s murder was handled by the Chicago Police Department. In the months following the shooting, authorities confirmed that the investigation was ongoing, but no arrests were made and no charges were filed. The case was one of hundreds of homicides that occurred in Chicago during a year marked by a significant increase in citywide violence.

Years have passed since Robert Munn was killed, and his case remains unsolved. His loved ones are left with memories of a man who was a pillar of his community, a devoted grandson, and a vibrant personality who brought laughter to those around him. His pastor’s words serve as a lasting testament to his character: “Robert was a great young man, and I would like the whole world to know the guy that he was.” As of early 2013, the police investigation was still active, but no suspects had been publicly identified. There has been no further public information regarding arrests or the status of the investigation.