Darwin Tirado, a 22-year-old aspiring chef and student, was shot and killed during a violent carjacking in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. near the intersection of West Waveland Avenue and North Halsted Street.
Tirado was sitting in a parked car with a 38-year-old man when two teenagers approached them, brandished a firearm, and demanded the vehicle and their belongings. Before fleeing in the stolen car, one of the teens shot Tirado, who later died from his injuries.
Tirado was a beloved member of the culinary team at Reunion, a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Art Smith at Navy Pier. His mother had worked for Smith for over two decades, and Darwin had recently earned his own place in the kitchen. Smith described him as “a joyful young man, very full of life, kind, considerate, and very smart.” In addition to his work, Tirado was pursuing his education at City Colleges of Chicago, balancing his studies with his passion for cooking.
The same morning, about an hour after Tirado’s murder, another man, 45-year-old Damon Kellum, was found shot in the head near a stolen vehicle on the South Side in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Authorities believe the same teenage suspects were responsible for both shootings, as well as several other attempted robberies and carjackings that morning. The stolen vehicle from Tirado’s case was found abandoned near where Kellum’s body was discovered, further linking the two crimes.
The suspects, both juveniles, were later arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including two counts of first-degree murder and several counts of armed robbery and vehicular hijacking. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed that the teens were being held in custody and would be tried in juvenile court, though prosecutors are reportedly considering seeking to have them tried as adults due to the severity of the crimes.
The Lakeview and Bronzeville communities have been left shaken by the senseless violence. Vigils were held in Tirado’s memory, with friends, family, and coworkers gathering to honor his life and mourn his loss. At the site of the shooting, a growing memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes served as a testament to the impact he had on those around him. Community leaders have called for increased efforts to address youth violence and provide more resources for at-risk teens.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with additional information or surveillance footage from the area to come forward. The deaths of Darwin Tirado and Damon Kellum have reignited urgent conversations about public safety, youth crime, and the need for systemic solutions to prevent further tragedies. Both families are now left to grieve the loss of their loved ones while seeking justice through the legal system.
