A Beloved Community Figure

On August 3, 2016, the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago lost a cherished member of its community: 57-year-old Penny Gearhart. Known for her warm presence and dedication, Penny was a familiar face as a vendor of StreetWise magazine, often seen engaging with locals and sharing a smile. Her commitment to her work and her community made her a beloved figure in Uptown.

The Fateful Afternoon

That afternoon, at approximately 3:30 PM, Penny was near the intersection of Windsor and Sheridan when gunfire erupted. Two rival gangs engaged in a violent confrontation, recklessly exchanging bullets in broad daylight. Tragically, Penny and a 58-year-old male bystander were caught in the crossfire. While the man sustained a leg injury, Penny's wounds proved fatal. She was transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries....Read More