Chicago Grocery Store Shooting Claims Life of Employee Armontye Alexander

On the morning of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, claiming the life of 32-year-old Armontye Alexander, an employee at Sanford Foods grocery store. According to the Chicago Police Department, an unidentified gunman wearing a mask entered the store, located in the 500 block of North Laramie Avenue, at approximately 11:35 a.m. and fired multiple shots at Alexander, striking him in the head and body. Despite being transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, Alexander was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The store manager confirmed that Alexander, a Chicago resident and father of three, had been employed at the store for just three weeks, while his family emphasized his dedication to providing for his children, including his youngest, a 2-year-old.

The incident has left Alexander’s family and the community reeling, with authorities, including 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts, suggesting that the shooting was a targeted attack rather than an attempted robbery. Alexander’s aunt, Marie Meeks, mourned the loss, stating, “The only thing my nephew was trying to do was make a living for him and his kids. He wasn’t out here in the street, he wouldn’t bother nobody.” She added, “It makes no sense to me, and my sister now has to bury her child. That is unheard of. It just shouldn’t be.” With no suspects in custody, Area Four detectives continue to investigate.