Gas station clerk shot to death in Park Manor

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are searching for the person who shot and killed a gas station clerk in front of the Citgo where he worked in the city's Park Manor neighborhood.

The victim was identified by a co-worker as 45-year-old Marwan Sadeq.

Police said Sadeq was fighting with a male suspect in the gas station parking lot in the 6600-block of South State Street around 12:40 a.m. Thursday when shots were fired. He was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Ahmed Awadh, Sadeq's co-worker, witnessed the shooting.

"I was here. I just heard the gun shots. I heard like four gunshots. Then I heard two more shots. Then I saw him collapse to the floor. I called the police and I ran outside. He was alive. After ten minutes, he just passed away," Awadh said.

Sadeq's friends said he was a father of four, originally from Yemen. He moved from New York to Chicago about a years ago. His family settled in southwest suburban Oak Lawn.

"He was always talking about his children's education. He always wanted them to be better than him," said Gehad al Shiakh, a friend.

Heartbroken customers like Chicago Bucket Boys Michael Brooks and Dwight Anderson joined Marwan's family to remember him as a kind and giving man who friends nicknamed "Curly".

"I remember when I was homeless out here. And I remember one night, I was out here literally in the cold. And I came in there and got $20 from him," Anderson said.

"It's actually sad to know that someone who you actually knew who's - not like a father figure - but he's a good role model for the neighborhood," Brooks said.

The gas station was closed Thursday for the ongoing shooting investigation. But loyal customers left a small memorial at the front door. Sadeq was well-liked by many.

"I left balloons because he was a good guy. He was nice to everybody that came into the store. I considered him a friend, you know? It's just sad," said Joan Offett, a regular customer.

"I feel so sorry, you know. He was great. Very nice. He was honest. A nice guy," said Wadhah Alquaiti, the victim's friend and former employer.

Homicide detectives are working to determine what the argument was about. It is unclear whether Sadeq knew his killer. There is no indication he was robbed. Investigators are examining surveillance video to find out more.

Authorities did not release a description of the suspect. No one is in custody. Area Central police are handling the investigation.