Chicago – Salim Khamo, 66, a grandfather and North Side liquor store owner, was fatally shot during an attempted robbery at his store in West Rogers Park on October 17, 2022. Authorities confirmed the tragic death as a Gulf War veteran was later sentenced to life in prison for the crime.

According to Chicago Police Department officials, the suspect entered J and K Food and Liquor in the evening, brandishing a handgun while demanding money. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic as the robbery quickly escalated into deadly violence.

Salim Khamo was shot in the chest during the incident. Chicago Fire Department crews rushed him to St. Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Family and neighbors remembered him as kind, generous, and deeply involved in the local community.

The suspect fled the scene but accidentally left a cell phone behind. Police noted that the phone contained photos of the suspect’s identification and other evidence that helped lead investigators to him. Surveillance footage from the store further aided authorities in identifying the suspect.

Sean Dunnavant, a Gulf War veteran, was convicted in May 2025 of murder and attempted armed robbery in connection with the killing. Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting the premeditated nature of the armed robbery and the tragic consequences for Khamo and his family.

On Friday, court documents showed that Dunnavant was sentenced to life in prison. Judges and prosecutors called the sentence appropriate given the violent nature of the crime and the impact it had on the victim’s family and the broader community.

Neighbors and community leaders expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. Many spoke of Khamo’s decades-long presence in West Rogers Park, running his store and building connections with residents, making the crime all the more devastating.

Authorities detailed that evidence collected at the scene, including the abandoned cell phone, surveillance footage, and witness statements, played a critical role in securing the conviction. Police highlighted the importance of careful investigative work in cases of armed robbery and homicide.

Legal experts noted that life imprisonment is the maximum sentence for first-degree murder in Illinois. They emphasized that the combination of premeditation, firearm use, and fatal outcome made the case eligible for the harshest possible sentence under state law.

Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Police emphasized that community cooperation is essential in preventing violent crimes, ensuring safety, and holding offenders accountable, reinforcing trust between law enforcement and residents.

The post Chicago – Salim Khamo, 66, a grandfather and North Side liquor store owner, was fatally shot during an attempted robbery at his store in West Rogers Park on October 17, 2022. appeared first on Onpointelegant .