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Father shot to death in front of 6-year-old daughter in Evanston park

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Updated  July 15, 2022 7:02pm CDT
Evanston
FOX 32 Chicago

Evanston dad killed as daughter escapes gunfire in park

A child witnessed her father being gunned down in an Evanston park Thursday night.

EVANSTON, Ill. - A child witnessed her father being gunned down in an Evanston park Thursday night.

Servando Louis Hamros, 29, was shot while playing Pokémon Go with his 6-year-old daughter.

"Right now, we’re just a wreck. It came out of nowhere," said David Hamros, the victim’s uncle.

The shooting unfolded just after 9 p.m. Thursday along the North Shore Channel Trail near Eggleston Park just off North McCormick Boulevard.

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"The victim was walking in the park with his daughter. While walking in the park, the victim had what appeared to be a confrontation with at least one other subject. Shortly after this confrontation, an unknown offender, armed, shot the victim, killing him," said Evanston Police Commander Ryan Glew.

An officer in the area heard the gunshots and immediately responded to the scene. That officer performed first-aid until paramedics arrived. Hamros – who would have turned 30 years old next month and is a father to two girls – was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hamros’ youngest daughter, sadly, saw the shooting unfold. According to a GoFundMe account started by relatives, his daughter – who was not hurt – ran for her life and found a place to hide.

"When I got there his daughter was telling me, ‘daddy just left.’ She was crying and said, ‘he was going to be back to play with me,’" said David Hamros.

Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Hamros died from a gunshot wound to the head.

The victim’s family – still in shock by Hamros’ brutal killing – is now seeking justice.

"His personality was a lot like my father’s – he had a great personality, always real quick with jokes and they were hilarious. He always had a kind smile. He was a good guy," said David Hamros. "I just want him to remembered as a good, kind human being. That’s what he was."

There are no suspects are in custody, and police believe there could be multiple people responsible for the shooting. However, investigators say there is no danger to the community.

Evanston police, along with the North Regional Crimes Task Force, are investigating the homicide.

If you believe you have information about this investigation, please contact the Evanston Police Detective Bureau at 847-866-5040 or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) and start your message with EPDTIP.