Chicago shooting: Limousine company owner, driver shot to death in North Austin, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- This memorial remains at the very spot where, police said, Mohammed Al Hijoj, who loved ones say owned a limousine service, was shot and killed.

As it continues to grow, so does his family's pain and heartbreak.

"We're just in shock," said Sadam Al Hijoj, the victim's brother. "We still didn't believe that. He's just gone."

As each second passes, the painful reality for one family has become too hard to bear.

"He just left so early. He just left so early. We didn't even get the time, you know?" Sadam said.

For the last eight years, Mohammed has owned a limousine company called Chicago Worldwide Limo.

Police said was inside his vehicle where he had his final moments alive.

"Driving a lot, working hard, you know? Working hard for his kids," Sadam said.

Police said the 39-year-old husband and father of three was shot and killed at Lotus and Wabansia in North Austin on Sunday night.

A witness told police they saw at least four male passengers inside the vehicle just after 5:30 p.m., before shots were fired. The suspects then ran off.

Mohammed died a short time later at the hospital from multiple gunshot wounds. Police found a handgun a few feet from the scene.

"We believe in God, you know? God, He gives us souls and he's taking them back," Sadam said.

Now, as candles at the memorial remain burning, so does a family's eagerness to find answers, looking to a higher power for solace.

"Just pray to him. Pray to him. That is the best thing you can do for him," Sadam said.

Mohammed's family told ABC7 there are plans being made to fly his body back to his native country of Jordan. So far, police said, no one is in custody as Area 5 detectives continue to investigate a motive.

A family friend who is also in the limo industry set up a GoFundMe for funeral expenses.

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