Tavontee Fox, a 24-year-old man from Waukegan, Illinois, was fatally shot on February 9, 2025, in Beach Park. The shooting happened about 12:10 p.m. in the 39300 block of Melbourne Court after multiple gunshots were reported; deputies found spent shell casings and shattered glass from a vehicle and a nearby home was struck by gunfire but no one inside was injured.

Witnesses reported seeing two African American men, each estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old, flee the scene. Fox had been in the passenger seat of a vehicle when he was shot; he was taken to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan and pronounced dead. An autopsy the next day confirmed he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators identified 24-year-old Cyncere L. Tillman of Waukegan as the primary suspect, alleging Tillman arranged to meet Fox near a friend’s house, an argument ensued, and Tillman fired multiple rounds at Fox and also fired at the driver, who was not reported injured. Lake County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Tillman in Waukegan on February 18, 2025; he was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and booked into the Lake County Jail. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges and the investigation is continuing.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or saw either vehicle or the two men fleeing Melbourne Court around midday on February 9, please come forward with information.