Father shot to death on way to buy lottery ticket for wife in Greater Grand Crossing, family says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Those who knew Simon Brown said the 59-year-old father was not supposed to die the way he did.

Pastor John T. Boston of Shiloh 7th Day Adventist Church has offered support and resources to the family.

"They never would have expected CPD to show up at their doorstep with this kind of news," Boston said.

Relatives said what started as a quick trip to the corner store to buy his wife a lottery ticket turned tragic as the South Side resident became an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a shootout.

Authorities said Brown was killed and three others, including one of the alleged gunmen, were wounded after a verbal argument lead to gunfire in the city's greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.

It all unfolded last night around 5:45 p.m. near 71st and State streets.

That's where the Chicago Police Department said officers received a ShotSpotter gunfire notification alert.

Officers rushed to the scene and found two victims with gunshot wounds: Brown and another innocent bystander, a man who had been shot in the head and critically wounded as he used a nearby ATM machine.

Another man who was reportedly shot in the leg during the initial incident was dropped off at an area hospital in good condition.

As squads searched for the attackers responsible, one of the alleged shooters was found nearby with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Alderman William Hall, who represents the 6th Ward, said he is committed to finding a way to stop the gun violence.

He has planned a meeting for Friday with area residents, faith leaders and local business owners to strategize about how to take back their neighborhood from violent crime.

"We will not be afraid because of people misguiding their anger and choosing guns. We're better than this," Hall said.

Meanwhile, there is the pain felt for the loss of a father and husband.

And although Brown's family wants justice, they also want answers.

Police are hoping security cameras in the area came help them identify and locate a second alleged gunman who fled the scene after exchanged gunfire with the suspect already in custody.

Area One detectives are investigating.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood