In West Side Chicago, on Wednesday evening, 42-year-old Kevin Watson was shot in a drive-by shooting while filming live. He was shot in his chest and could be seen gasping for air on the live stream. Police are currently investigating the crime. No arrests have been made since the motive is still undetermined. 

What Happened to Kevin Watson

Police reported the shooting took place around 6:15 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Madison Street. The horrific video, which captured the incident, has been viewed over two million times. It shows Watson sitting in his car and getting out when another vehicle approaches. Seconds later, gunshots ring out from the suspect’s car. The incident took place only blocks away from a police station. 

The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed Watson’s identity, and it was reported that he died from his injuries at Mount Sinai Hospital. Close friends and family came forward to speak about what happened. His final moments were captured through a Facebook Live and left many traumatized. Watson’s cousin, Jacquez Smith, said, “He was trying to struggle to breathe,” as he can be seen choking for air. If you have not witnessed this horrific crime, it is not recommended to seek out the video circulating online.

Close Friends Comment

Watson began his Facebook Live after he left a nearby liquor store where his cousin works. With a hint of guilt, Smith said, “I wouldn’t have let him walk out of the store.” He commented on the victim’s character and said, “He was a good man. No matter what he did, he helped people, you know? He helped me get this job in here.”

Many close friends of Watson came forward to describe what they witnessed on the live show leading up to the shooting. “He was talking to a guy, and he was going to his car, then the guy followed behind him,” said Alvin Jackson. “So, the guy followed behind him and pulled the gun on him. He was trying to wrestle with the gun, and the gun went off.”

Not only does this tragedy hurt his close friends, but everyone in his life who depends on him. Family members said Watson leaves behind a 6-year-old son, who is weeks shy of turning 7. Freddie Collier, a friend, said, just weeks shy of his birthday. “We’re going to have to figure out how to move on and be strong, day to day, to help each other get past this, because this didn’t just hurt one person.”

Shooting Victimization

The city of Chicago experiences high levels of violence each year, and 2025 is no different. There have been serious victimizations involving homicides and non-fatal shooting victims. These represent the most devastating form of violence in the community. So far, there are 253 homicides, and 208 of those are fatal shootings. This number is a mere fraction of the total number of all shooting incidents, which is currently 1,146. This is surprisingly low compared to last year, but we are only halfway through. 

Watson’s shooting was no accident, and it is unclear what the motive was behind the attack. He seemed to know the perpetrator based on his interaction and the worry in his voice. However, people online theorize it was over his chain he was wearing, and the assailant was attempting to rob him of it. When there was a struggle, he was shot in the chest.

Whether Watson did something to provoke this incident or not, it does not matter, and he did not deserve to lose his life. His family and friends did not deserve to lose their son and friend. And his son did not deserve to lose a father. Hopefully, the Chicago police will bring justice for him and his family and find the person who did this.