A beloved chef and restaurant owner was one of two people killed in a mass shooting early Friday in Back of the Yards, where five others were also injured.
Isaac “Wavy” Bradley and Lamar Butler were among a group at a home in the 5100 block of South Wood Street around 12:25 a.m. when two masked men began walking down the block and opened fire, according to Chicago police reports.
Bradley, 44, was part owner of several restaurants, including Chemistry Chicago, Stussy’s Diner, Soul Shack, Retro Grill and LiteHouse Whole Food Grill.
Bradley’s business partner, Erik Rico Nance, said the two “immediately hit it off” when they met almost a decade ago.
“He was just so passionate and energetic when it came to food,” Nance said.
Nance said Bradley dedicated all of his energy to the success of their restaurants and each one became a “passion project.”
“Everyone raved about his food,” Nance said. “Everything he created was amazing.”
Nance said he had spoken with Bradley just hours before the shooting. Bradley, who was also a barber, had gone to give a friend a haircut when he was fatally shot.
Bradley suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest and leg and was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. Butler, 32, was shot in the abdomen and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Five others also were injured.
Among them were two women, a 23-year-old who was shot in the head and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition and a 30-year-old who was shot in the thigh and hand and was in fair condition at Mount Sinai Hospital, police said.
A 54-year-old man was in fair condition at Stroger with a gunshot wound to an ankle, while a 21-year-old man who was shot in the back and a 32-year-old man who was shot in the torso were both taken in good condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
No one was in custody, police said.
Nance said he plans to honor Bradley’s memory by carrying forward the vision they shared for their businesses and ensuring they continue to thrive.
“I won’t let his death be in vain,” he said. “I will make sure that everyone remembers his name.”
Bradley was also “a loving father,” Nance said. He had a teenage son and dreamed of one day passing the family business on to him.
Nance has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and ensure that Bradley’s son is taken care of.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.
“This tragic shooting is yet another example of the senseless gun violence that continues to plague our communities,” said Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers. “These shootings are happening far too often, leaving families devastated and neighborhoods traumatized. We urge anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.”
Tipsters can remain anonymous and should call 1-800-535-STOP (7867) or submit a tip at www.CPDTIP.com.