Glenwood, a community typically unmarred by the clamor of city strife, finds itself grappling with the fabric of its own narrative torn by a sudden and violent act—a narrative, until now, as placid as the serene storefronts lining its streets. Residents and local businesses have been stunned by the tragic death of Naveen Singh, a liquor store owner who was fatally shot in his establishment, Emporium Liquor. NBC Chicago provided a stark visual, noting the poignant display of flowers and candles that lay at the doorstep of the store that Singh had owned for over ten years.
The somber mood was palpable as Camille Reynolds, a neighbor who has lived in the area for forty years, conveyed her disbelief to NBC Chicago, stating, "It almost doesn't seem fathomable at this point by looking at this you can tell something is definitely wrong." The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. Monday at 339 E. Glenwood Lansing Rd., and according to local police, stemmed from an argument between Singh and a customer. The suspect, following the argument, discharged his weapon fatally wounding Singh and fled the scene shortly after.
With a person of interest now in custody, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, the Glenwood Police have assured the community that this was an isolated incident and there is no continuous threat to the public. However, adjacent businesses are reeling from the proximity of violence, with a father and son duo who run a nearby restaurant expressing their concerns to NBC Chicago, with the father, Willie Green, saying, "You try to make an honest living and people take your life for nothing, I just hate what happened to this man right here and his family. We have to do things differently, I pray for these children that's what this is."
The impact of Singh's death was underscored by the Glenwood officials, who paid homage to his kind demeanor and responsible business operation through a post on Facebook. "Naveen Singh was a kind man who operated his Emporium Liquor store responsibly and always with a smile," said Glenwood Mayor Ronald J. Gardiner. In honor of Singh's contribution to the community and the void his passing has created, a vigil was held Tuesday night outside his liquor store, according to a post by Glenwood's mayor and Board of Trustees obtained by NBC Chicago.
As authorities proceed with their investigation, Singh's family and community mourn a life unexpectedly and brutally cut short. Singh's son, reached by the Chicago Sun-Times, encapsulated the heartbreak of the man they lost: "He was my everything," his voice breaking, he added, "I don’t know what we’re gonna do without him."
