South Holland construction worker killed in midday robbery at construction site

SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (WLS) -- Police are searching for a gunman who killed a construction worker during a robbery at a construction site in South Holland, Ill., midday Friday.

Police say Sergio Varela, 42, was doing electrical work for a rehab of a vacant home with two other workers when three other men walked up to the site, apparently asked if any help was needed. When they were told no, they barged in. Varela was shot multiple times and died.

His brother, Jose Varela, has cried often and says he cannot sleep. He was there when the shooting occurred, and his mortally wounded brother fell at his feet. Neighbors are shaken because the shooting occurred in the middle of the day in a house on a busy street a block away from South Suburban College.

"I just wonder," says neighbor Myra Serrano. "I hope they find them."

Police do not have a clear account what was said in the seconds before the shooting, and it's unclear if the gunmen took anything after the shooting or if there have been other similar robbery attempts at construction sites in South Holland or surrounding suburbs.

South Holland police referred questions from ABC 7 Eyewitness News to the village's communications director who had no answers but promised to keep us updated.

Jose Varela says his brother was a great person who was special, helped everyone and was loved by all. His family would like some updates too, mindful that they may not come quickly. But right now they have no answers, only loss.