Chicago anti-Violence Activist Shot Dead Just Steps Away From His Office

A Chicago community activist who worked to fight violence was shot dead less than a block from the offices of his not-for-profit organization, according to police and the man’s relatives.

William “Willie” Cooper, 58, was shot on Saturday afternoon near the offices of Lilydale Outreach Workers for a Better Community, on Chicago’s South Side. Cooper was the principal officer of the anti-violence group, which provides jobs for local teenagers.

Police said Cooper was walking when someone shot him from a dark-colored vehicle driving by.

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No one was in custody as of Sunday afternoon and investigators had yet to identify any persons of interest.

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Detectives were trying to determine whether Cooper was targeted or the victim of a random shooting, he added.

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The incident was one of at least three fatal shootings over 18 hours between Saturday and Sunday in Chicago.

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