Midlothian man fatally shot while warming car to drive wife to work, witnesses say

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. (WLS) -- Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man sitting in his car Wednesday morning in south suburban Midlothian.

Witnesses said Darius Minter was sitting in his dark colored SUV in an apartment complex parking lot at 147th Street and Turner Avenue, warming the car up so he could drive his wife to work, when gunfire erupted at 7 a.m.

Minter was pronounced dead at the scene.

"He was an awesome man. He was a family man. He took care of her very well and she's going to miss him very much," said Bishop Gregory Stapleton. "We're just praying she's keeps her mind. It's just sad she has to go through this."

Cook County Sheriff's crime scene technicians combed through the scene and the bullet riddled vehicle looking for clues as detectives canvassed the apartment complex.

Minter's family is struggling to cope with his death, especially so close to the holidays. They said they hope whoever is responsible will do the right thing and turn themselves in.

"Been in Midlothian 23 years right in this area...there's never been a killing like that," said a woman who lives nearby.

Midlothian Police and South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force are investigating.