Paul Land / Family photo
BY KALEY FOWLER
Homicide Watch Chicago
Paul Land moved to Chicago to start a new life, but was shot dead six days later when a flurry of gunfire erupted at a Labor Day weekend barbeque in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
Land, 28, had come from Florida in late August for a family reunion and decided to stay in the city, said his brother, Davee Hussey.
“Our family caught a flight back to Miami, and he stayed in Chicago to start over,” Hussey said. “He wanted to be on his own and accomplish things in life.”
That life was cut short on Sunday when Land and another man were shot in the 7400 block of North Ridge Avenue about 8:45 p.m., authorities said.
Land, who lived on the block, was struck multiple times and died at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, authorities said.
“It hurts, but there’s a comfort in knowing he’s with God now,” said Land's mother, Warnar Land.
Ald. Joe Moore (49th) said the men were attending an outdoor barbecue when they were shot in a gangway. Police believe the shooting is the result of a dispute between Evanston gangs that spilled over into Chicago, Moore said.
“The individual who hosted the barbecue had just moved into the building from Evanston and is believed to be a member of an Evanston street gang,” Moore said in a statement.
Warnar Land said her son took pride in working hard and recently got a job at a Burger King.
Hussey added that Land was never judgmental and didn’t look down on others.
“My big brother was always happy and smiling, and he was always bringing positive energy into the room,” Hussey said. “Paul was the type of person who uplifted people and brought good energy to them. He was very down to earth and treated everyone with respect.”
But Paul Land also had a “funny and goofy” side, and enjoyed playing pranks and make others laugh, his brother said.
Paul Land / Family photo
Hussey said the family is grief-stricken, but are trying to stay positive because his brother would not have wanted them to dwell on his death.
“It's hard to lose a family member but we're trusting that he's in a better place," Hussey said. "He would want to see us be positive and see us see us think about good things. He wouldn’t want to see us down so we’re trying to stay strong for him.”
Nobody has been charged for the murder. Area North detectives are investigating.