Family calls for solutions to violence one year after Chicago officer’s shooting death

Introduction to the Tragedy

CHICAGO – A year after a retired Chicago police officer and bomb technician was murdered on the West Side, the family and friends are speaking out about the impact of his death – and solutions for the future. Chicago Police officer Rev. Larry Nueman was shot and killed on June 20, 2024. He was known as a jack of all trades, community leader, husband, father and grandfather who led a life devoted to service.

The Life and Legacy of Rev. Larry Nueman

He was the Chicago Police Department’s longest-serving bomb technician, a Sunday school teacher at St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church and an ordained minister. His dedication to his community and his family has left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Neuman’s daughter, Taishi Neuman, suffered a stroke after her father’s death. She said it was due to broken heart syndrome. "I try every day not to think about this," Taishi said. "They don’t know what they did to his family."

The Backstory

On June 20, 2024, Larry Neuman, 73, was shot multiple times and killed during a robbery around 11:30 a.m. just steps from his West Garfield Home, in the 4300 block of W. Monroe Street. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died, according to Chicago police. Police released images of two suspects, believed to be 16 to 21 years old. A day later, a 16-year-old boy turned himself in to Chicago police in connection with the shooting. The second teen was later arrested. They are facing murder charges.

What’s Next: Seeking Solutions to Violence

On Friday, St. Michael will host a violence summit in Neuman’s honor, bringing together city officials, educators, public health experts, and community members to confront the violence and trauma affecting the city’s youth. Taishi Neuman said her father would want activists to help the youth of the community through recreation areas and programs. "The young people are the center of this conversation; that’s what makes this summit different from other summits," said Rev. Paul Sims. "We are going to hear from them how we can help them. That’s what Larry would say." The event runs from 9-1 p.m. at 4106 W. Monroe Street.

Conclusion

The death of Rev. Larry Nueman has left a void in the community, but his legacy lives on through the efforts of his family and the community to find solutions to the violence that took his life. By focusing on the youth and providing them with the resources and support they need, there is hope for a brighter, safer future for all.

FAQs

• Q: What happened to Rev. Larry Nueman?
  A: Rev. Larry Nueman, a retired Chicago police officer and bomb technician, was shot and killed during a robbery on June 20, 2024.
• Q: What is being done to address the violence in the community?
  A: A violence summit is being held in Neuman’s honor to bring together community members, city officials, educators, and public health experts to find solutions to the violence affecting the city’s youth.
• Q: How can the community help prevent such tragedies in the future?
  A: By supporting initiatives that provide youth with recreation areas, programs, and resources, the community can help prevent violence and trauma among young people.