Fifteen-year-old James Vara of Waukegan, Illinois, was shot dead on August 28, 2020, while attending a car show with friends in the parking lot of a strip mall on North Green Bay Road. Just before 10 p.m., at least two men approached the group, drew guns, and shot James in the head. Witnesses and surveillance footage captured a dark-colored SUV believed to be connected to the attack; the shooters reportedly wore face masks and hats, hampering identification.

An officer on patrol heard gunshots and screams and the Waukegan Police Department found James near the Zip Fitness center; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Criminal Investigations Division is handling the case, no arrests have been announced, and the motive remains unclear. Family members remembered James as a joyful, car-loving boy; a GoFundMe for funeral expenses raised over $4,500. Anyone who was at the event or who recognizes the vehicle of interest is asked to come forward with information.