Crime
Man Killed in Calumet Park Beach Shooting
CHICAGO, IL — A man was fatally shot at Calumet Park Beach on May 15, 2025, in an incident that sparked panic among families and children enjoying a day at the lakefront.
According to police, the man —who has not yet been publicly identified—was struck by gunfire in the vicinity of the beach near Calumet Park, a recreational area located in the city’s East Side neighborhood.
The shooting occurred just over an hour after several families had arrived at the park to enjoy the afternoon.
A witness, who brought her children to the beach after a youth baseball game was canceled due to weather concerns, described the terrifying ordeal.
“We went to Calumet Park so the kids could play at the beach since the game was canceled,” she said. “A few other parents joined us, and everything was going well until shots rang out—so many that it sounded like a machine gun.”
The gunfire reportedly broke out near the playground area while the witness and her group were on the opposite end of the park near the pier.
She described the moment families began scrambling for safety.
“People were running everywhere, grabbing their children and trying to make it to their cars. It was complete chaos. I’m thankful we weren’t closer, but it was horrifying to see.”
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
No additional injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made as of Thursday evening.
Area detectives are actively investigating, and police are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements.
The shooting has raised new concerns about safety in public parks ahead of the summer season. Community members are urging city leaders to increase security and visibility in family-oriented spaces to prevent further violence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Chicago Police or submit tips anonymously to CPD’s tip line at 833-408-0069.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.