On the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026, a fatal shooting in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood claimed the life of a local photographer. At approximately 9:30 p.m., Troy Hollingsworth, the 37-year-old owner of PolaBear Red Filmz, was seated inside his silver Nissan Maxima in the 100 block of East 118th Place.
According to the Chicago Police Department, an unknown individual approached the parked vehicle and opened fire. Multiple gunshots struck Hollingsworth as he sat in his car. The assailant then fled the scene on foot, heading southbound through an alley.
A 33-year-old man who was with Hollingsworth in the front passenger seat of the Nissan Maxima was also wounded in the attack. He was struck in the leg and was subsequently transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. His condition was reported as stable with non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders from the Chicago Fire Department arrived at the scene on East 118th Place. Troy Hollingsworth was pronounced dead there. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the fatal shooting was the cause of death. Area Two detectives have taken over the investigation.
No arrests have been made, and police have not released a description of the shooter or identified a possible motive. Detectives are actively investigating and have asked anyone with information to come forward. The Chicago Police Department urges community members to contact Area Two detectives or submit an anonymous tip to aid the investigation.
This incident marks the latest in a series of violent crimes in the city. Troy Hollingsworth is remembered by friends and colleagues as a talented photographer and a positive force in his community, making his violent death all the more tragic for those who knew him.
