Fuller Park, Chicago Tragedy: Odeal Curley Killed in Shooting, 35-Year-Old Demar King Faces First-Degree Murder

Fuller Park, Chicago Tragedy: Odeal Curley Killed in Shooting, 35-Year-Old Demar King Faces First-Degree Murder

Chicago, Illinois — Heartbreak and grief have swept through the Fuller Park neighborhood of Chicago following the tragic death of 40-year-old Odeal Curley, who was fatally shot Monday evening in what police describe as a deliberate act of violence. The senseless shooting has left family members, friends, and neighbors mourning a life cut short — and a community once again shaken by the relentless toll of gun violence.

According to the Chicago Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:45 p.m. Monday to the 4300 block of South Princeton Avenue after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Odeal Curley lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the swift response of first responders and paramedics, Curley was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses described the tragic moment as sudden and terrifying, as residents scrambled for safety while gunshots echoed through the block. “We heard the shots — at least five or six — and everyone just started running,” said one neighbor. “When it got quiet again, we saw Odeal on the ground. It was heartbreaking.”

Investigators immediately launched a citywide search for the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Demar King. Police said King fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan, sparking an intensive manhunt that involved multiple law enforcement units. Within hours, officers located and apprehended King without further incident. He was taken into custody and later charged with first-degree murder, along with additional weapons-related offenses.

Authorities have not released full details regarding the motive behind the shooting but believe that Curley and King knew each other. Detectives are exploring whether the incident stemmed from a personal dispute or escalating tensions that turned deadly. Police sources confirmed that surveillance footage and witness statements played a key role in identifying and locating the suspect so quickly.

“This was an act of violence that should never have happened,” said Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Brian O’Connell during a press conference Tuesday morning. “A family is grieving tonight, and a community is once again left traumatized by gunfire. Our detectives worked tirelessly to ensure the suspect was brought into custody, and now we will pursue justice for Odeal Curley and his loved ones.”

Odeal Curley’s family, meanwhile, is struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss. Described by those who knew him as kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family, Curley was a lifelong Chicagoan who spent most of his life in the South Side area. Friends say he was known for his generosity and his ability to bring laughter into any room he entered.

“Odeal wasn’t perfect, but he had a good heart,” said a cousin. “He didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves to be taken like that — shot down in the street like his life didn’t matter.”

The tragedy has once again placed a spotlight on gun violence in Chicago, particularly in communities like Fuller Park that have long struggled with cycles of poverty, crime, and limited access to resources. Local leaders and activists have renewed calls for community investment, youth programs, and stronger gun safety measures to prevent further loss of life.

“This isn’t just another statistic,” said community advocate Latasha Williams during a candlelight vigil held Tuesday night at the scene of the shooting. “Odeal was somebody’s son, somebody’s brother, somebody’s friend. His death must push us to demand change — not just justice for one man, but safety for every family in our neighborhoods.”

As the investigation continues, Demar King remains in custody awaiting his first court appearance. Prosecutors have confirmed they will seek the maximum penalty under Illinois law if convicted.

Meanwhile, friends and relatives of Odeal Curley are preparing to honor his memory with a memorial service later this week. The block where he lost his life is now lined with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes — a quiet but powerful reminder of the human cost of violence and the community’s collective grief.