Park Forest police identify man killed in house party shooting; 3 others injured, 2 critically

PARK FOREST, Ill. (WLS) -- Four people were shot, one fatally, in an apartment shooting in south suburban Park Forest Friday morning, police said.

A gathering was taking place at an apartment at the Central Park Apartments in the 100-block of Fir Street around 3:30 a.m. when shots were fired, police said.

Police said upon arrival, they found a chaotic scene with multiple people fleeing the area.

Police said officers learned there was an altercation between people attending a house party, which culminated with multiple people opening fire.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Police identified him as 29-year-old Ladarius Williams of Chicago. They said he appeared to have been shot multiple times.

A 19-year-old from Waukegan and a 28-year-old from Chicago were taken to local hospitals then taken to a Chicago area trauma center in critical condition. Police said both underwent surgery and remain hospitalized. A 22-year-old from Chicago was treated at the scene and refused to further care, police said.

Police said several firearms were recovered at the scene, and several cars nearby were struck by gunfire durin the incident.

Neighbors said the area is usually very quiet.

"I looked out my door and I saw this, so it's just frightening to know that no matter where you are, you are not safe anymore," resident Keetha Moore said. "I've been in this town 30 years, I've never seen this kind of trouble come to our town. It's just sad. It's heartbreaking actually to know that somebody died right here under my nose."

"Nothing I've experience here before, so it was quite shocking. Of course you're wondering what's going to happen," said Emmer Adams, resident.

Police said an investigation is ongoing and a significant police presence remains in the area, but there is no threat to the community.

Neighbors said the people who live in the apartment have been there for less than a year. They said it's unusual for late night parties to happen in the area.

"The last five to six years you haven't seen parties and loud music and all that at all, so this is new most recent," Adams said.

No one is currently in custody. An investigation by Park Forest police and the South Suburban Major Crimes Taskforce is ongoing. Anyone with information should call the Park Forest Police Investigations Division at 708-748-1309.

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