Chicago shooting: 2 convicted felons charged in Dunning murder of young father, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There is finally a sense of calm in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood weeks after the brutal murder of a young father, who was on his way to work.

Chicago police announced charges against the men they believe are responsible on Tuesday.

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"We are here today to announce charges in the tragic murder of a 24-year-old man that occurred in the Dunning neighborhood on May 10th, 2024," said CPD Deputy Chief Kevin Bruno.

Police say 32-year-old Divonte Calhoun and 41-year-old Justin Redmond murdered Zet Rodriguez. Police say both Calhoun and Redmond are convicted felons who were on parole at the time of the killing.

"The victim was headed to work just after 7 a.m. when he was approached by Calhoun in the 3900-block of North Pittsburgh. Calhoun shot the victim and demanded money from him before fleeing on foot," Bruno said.

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Bruno says a multitude of surveillance video, showing the shooting and Calhoun getting into a waiting vehicle driven by Redmond, was the start they needed to find their suspects.

The vehicle was registered to Calhoun's relative. Calhoun was arrested the day of the murder, but released until more forensic and cell phone evidence came back to strengthen the detectives' case.

"Calhoun's cell phone was a crucial piece of evidence as detectives were able to place Calhoun in the 3900 block of North Pittsburgh at the time that the murder occurred. Call data records from Redmond's phone also place him at the location of the murder at the time of the occurrence," Bruno said.

Eventually, police located Calhoun in Gurnee and Redmond in the Dunning neighborhood, just five minutes away. Neighbors on the street where Rodriguez was gunned down are relieved by the news of the arrests.

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"Oh, I think it's great. I think it was actually pretty fast. I mean, those detectives were here, and they were here the whole day," one neighbor said.

"People always say they want closure, and they want justice, and hopefully justice will prevail here. And I'm confident that with all the hard work and diligence with the detectives that we have the right people," said 38th Ward Alderman Nicholas Sposato.

CPD says nothing indicates Rodriguez specifically was targeted. Police also said there are no other suspects.

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