Chicago shooting: Family pleads for justice after 80-year-old retired tow truck driver James Stroud Sr. fatally shot in Brainerd

In Chicago, a family is in distress as they seek information following the tragic death of their 80-year-old patriarch who was fatally shot while inside his car last month in the South Side of the city.

James Stroud Sr. was the victim of this senseless act nearly a fortnight ago in the Brainerd area, as indicated by the Chicago police. Regrettably, there have been no apprehensions in connection with this incident as of the latest update on Sunday.

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With heavy hearts, the family members of the victim are pleading for help from the public.

“My grandfather did not deserve that,” said Jalyssa Smith, a granddaughter of the victim.

The beloved retired tow truck driver was shot and killed nearly two weeks ago.

Reports from the authorities suggest that Stroud was situated in his vehicle close to the intersection of West 90th Street and South Bishop in Brainerd when the tragic event unfolded. Law enforcement officials stated that an individual in a car approached from behind and proceeded to shoot Stroud, resulting in fatal injuries to the victim.

“We got to stop this killer, and I want to say to the killer, turn yourself in,” said James Stroud Jr., a son of the victim. “80 years old… I don’t know what you were thinking about, but do the right thing. Somebody speak up, please.”

On Sunday, local towing companies came out to show their support for the family.

Stroud had retired roughly two months before he was killed.

“My dad loved Chicago,” said Sheila Stroud, a daughter of the victim. “I tried to convince him to come to Florida to retire, but he said, ‘You can’t take the Chicago out of me. I love Chicago, this is my home.'”

Family members said they don’t know if Stroud was targeted or mistaken for someone else, and they want answers.

“I have no idea why someone would do something like this,” Sheila Stroud said.

The tow truck community says they will cover the funeral costs for the Stroud family. James Stroud Sr. will be laid to rest on Thursday.

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