Alfondia L Kelly

Alfondia L. Kelly, a man remembered by loved ones as a peacemaker and a powerful motivator, was a constant source of joy and encouragement to those around him. Known to many as "Al" or "Big Al," the 44-year-old Black man was a father to six children and a foundational figure in his Chicago community. His best friend of over two decades, Fernando Lowe, described him as one of the greatest guys in the world, someone who would always break up fights and whose face was always beaming with a prominent smile. Kelly was deeply invested in the well-being of his neighborhood's youth, often gathering them for safe playtime at the local park and buying them ice cream. He pushed those around him to strive for better, inspiring academic success and keeping them on a positive path.

The night of June 27, 2016, found Kelly doing what he often did: bringing people together. He was hosting a cookout in a vacant lot in the Englewood neighborhood, on the 6600 block of South Union Avenue. Late that evening, the gathering was shattered by violence when a black SUV drove past and someone inside opened fire on the group. Kelly was struck by a bullet in the armpit. He was rushed to Stroger Hospital for treatment, but his injury proved fatal. Alfondia Kelly was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on June 28, 2016.

The Chicago Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. The attack was sudden and appeared to be a drive-by, a tragic example of the gun violence that plagued the city. In the immediate aftermath, friends and family were left devastated and searching for answers. The news was particularly crushing for his best friend, Lowe, who had recently moved to Arkansas and was heartbroken to learn of the death of the man he considered a peacemaker. The community mourned the loss of a man who had actively worked to create a safer environment for everyone.

In the days following his death, the community came together to honor the man who had given so much to them. A candlelight vigil was held on June 28, a testament to the many lives Kelly had touched. Friends shared stories of his influence, with one crediting Kelly for his academic achievements, including being on the honor roll and a member of the National Honors Society. He was remembered as someone who kept people on their toes, who would look at a report card and say, "you can do better," always pushing them to keep their heads up and never give up. His name was read on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2016 among a list of 79 people who had lost their lives to gun violence in Chicago in the preceding month.

As of late 2016, no arrests had been made in connection with Alfondia Kelly's murder. The investigation remains open, and his death is an unsolved homicide. The loss of a man who was a father, a friend, and a community pillar has left a void that is deeply felt. His loved ones continue to remember him as a positive force, a motivator who stopped "a whole lot of stuff" and whose life was dedicated to uplifting others. The case remains a painful reminder of the indiscriminate nature of gun violence and its lasting impact on families and communities.