Chicago reaches 500 homicides with fatal shooting

Police officials said Thursday the city was 1 homicide away from the 500 mark. Hours later, a man was fatally shot

December 28, 2012 02:17 AM

In a June 9, 2012 photo, on Chicago’s West side, a high speed pursuit following four suspected gang members ended with the Chicago Police gang unit questioning and arresting one of them on an outstanding warrant. These pursuits are becoming more common as Chicago’s homicides have ticked up over 50 percent this year over last.

Associated Press

CHICAGO — Chicago has logged its 500th homicide of 2012.

The last time the city reached the 500-homicide mark was in 2008, when the year ended with 512 killings. Last year, city records show Chicago had 435 homicides.

On Thursday, officials with the Chicago Police Department said the city was one homicide away from the 500 mark. Hours later, a 40-year-old man was fatally shot in the Austin neighborhood on the city’s West Side. Police say Nathaniel Jackson was found on the sidewalk outside a convenience store with a gunshot wound to the head late Thursday.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office says Jackson was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital early Friday.

Jackson’s death remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

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