A woman from the south suburbs has been charged with the murder of Kevin Patel, a 28-year-old Lincoln Park resident who was gunned down near his house last week.
Josalyn Fowler, 25, will appear for a detention hearing on Friday, according to Chicago police. She is charged with murder and attempted armed robbery. Officials will present more information in court about what they believe happened on the night of the murder.
Residents and pedestrians reported hearing gunfire in the 800 block of West Lill, where Patel lived, at approximately 9:20 p.m. on April 16. Witnesses rushed to his help, reporting that a man and a woman ran toward Halsted Street following the incident.
Patel, an actuary, died from his injuries that night.
According to court records, Fowler was arrested in Englewood in February 2022 for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Prosecutors eventually decided to let her plead guilty to a lower misdemeanor charge, and she received a sentence of two days time served.
CPD clearly said that Fowler “participated in” the shooting that killed Patel, implying that she may not have been the one who pulled the trigger. We will learn more about that after her court appearance.
According to an online obituary, Patel “had a bright mind, a generous heart, and the spirit to make everyone happy.” He was polite, compassionate, loving, and affectionate to everyone he met, whether it was a familiar face or a new stranger he met at his frequent gym exercises”.
Neil, Kevin’s brother, started a GoFundMe page stating that “100% of the proceeds will go to fighting for justice for Kevin, protecting communities against violence, and a cause close to Kevin’s heart.”
“He always looked for the best in people and had a positive influence on his friends, family, colleagues, and strangers he encountered throughout his life. His bright future was cut short due to the unlawful and senseless acts committed by others,” the GoFundMe states.
“His parents and I are deeply devastated by his passing. While no amount of wealth will ever bring our dear Kevin back, we vow to do whatever it takes to bring justice to this vicious act and to help prevent this from happening to anyone else’s child, sibling, significant other, or friend.”
