Along the snow covered section of Evergreen Street in East Chicago, gunfire took the life of 25-year-old Willie Cook.
His uncle described his nephew calling him a “great guy.” Cook served in the Army Reserves, returning in September from a tour in Afghanistan and worked as a forklift operator at the ford plant not far from home.
Stephen Parker, Willie’s uncle said he was a “Well-rounded, hardworking guy. He worked. He didn’t’ deserve it.”
An empty parking spot marks where Willie had just pulled up in his car Saturday afternoon outside his grandmother’s home, his 3 year old son Antwan sat in the backseat when someone opened fire.
“He told my mother “I’ll be in there in three minutes as soon as I get through texting. He was on his phone texting. And he was going to bring the baby in, because the baby was in the backseat.”
Antwan was shot in the leg and survived but Willie, who got shot in the neck, did not.
Police believe this was a case of mistaken identity related to another shooting nearby last week.
Willie, who survived war in Afghanistan, and was engaged to be married this year, died in the place where he grew up.
Police haven’t made any arrests– as they investigate the city’s second homicide in less than a week– nearly as many as it had in all of last year.
Willie’s uncle wants the shooter found, “God will take care of you, whoever you are being the way you are, I have no idea god will take care of you. I’ll let god get with you.”
20 Comments to “Man shot, killed months after returning from Afghanistan”
February 3, 2013 at 9:36 PM
You probably want to capitalize 'God' all three times.
February 4, 2013 at 10:27 AM
is that all you can think about? smh somebodys life was lost bro. have some respect!!!
February 4, 2013 at 1:38 PM
Hey, Maude used to say, "God will get you for this!" I sure hope so! With extreme pain and suffering. I pray to an evil God for stuff like this…
February 4, 2013 at 1:56 PM
But then you are praying to the "God" that made all of this happen in the first place.
February 3, 2013 at 11:07 PM
Dumb boonies don't care who they smoke….RIP soldier.
February 3, 2013 at 11:09 PM
What a tragic loss for his family, loved ones and brothers in arms. God be with them all. RIP soldier!
February 4, 2013 at 2:15 AM
I dont see how ppl go to sleep at night know they did something so wrong … But ill tell u one thing the police need to be knocking at alot of doors and do they job and dont let it pass them by..And what ill say to the unhearted people that did it u keep knocking on the devils door somebodys going to answes it …My heart goes out to your famliy
February 4, 2013 at 3:19 AM
I dont see how ppl go to sleep at night know they did something so wrong … But ill tell u one thing the police need to be knocking at alot of doors and do they job and dont let it pass them by..And what ill say to the unhearted people that did it u keep knocking on the devils door somebodys going to answes it …So sorry for your lost My heart goes out to your famliy
February 4, 2013 at 1:25 PM
Sorry, remorse is a pretty rare thing in this country. Its mostly "me, me, me, looook at meee!", "I want….". The concept of liberty and equality here is gravely misunderstood and abused.
February 4, 2013 at 8:52 AM
ANOTHER INNOCENT MAN VICTIM TO MY CITY CHICAGO. R.I.P SOLDIER
February 4, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Say what you will, but let us, suit up, arm up and at least give us a chance to defend ourselves. It is quite obvious that the city has never had a plan. As they sit behind 2" of glass and a frontline of heavily armed bodyguards.
February 4, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Arm up? I want missiles and tanks!!!
February 4, 2013 at 11:44 AM
From one war zone to another.
February 4, 2013 at 12:02 PM
my prayers and for his son god bless you!! R.IP.soldier from DAV persian gulf war
February 4, 2013 at 12:19 PM
R.I.P Soldier..SMH! Praying for his Family
February 4, 2013 at 4:22 PM
This world is full of sick people. The man survived the war just to come home and get killed. If the shooter doesn't care about the man, at least care about the child. Turn yourself in. If you have any children, it could have been yours. You selfless prick.
February 5, 2013 at 4:37 PM
My cousin Willie was one of the realest I know!! He was a family man and did what he needed to do to take care of his kids!!! Man I still cant believe u are gone this is crazy!!! I hope and pray that they get wnoever did this to yoiu and they get what they deserve straight up!!! I love you cuzzo straight up!!! RIP Willie I love u and miss u dearly!!!
February 6, 2013 at 9:30 AM
RIP Spc.Cook, you were a great father and an amazing battle buddy… You will truly be missed bro. Love u and miss u
February 11, 2013 at 8:57 AM
http://www.gofundme.com/Willie-Cook-Trust-Fund