Chicago police have launched an investigation after a man was discovered shot to death in an alley on the city's Southwest Side early Saturday morning. The victim, who suffered gunshot wounds to his head and back, was found in the 3600 block of West 26th Street around 7 a.m. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The distressing incident has left residents in the area on edge, with concerns about the safety of their neighborhood. Baltazar Enriquez, the President of the Little Village Community Council, expressed his worries about the recurring pattern of violence in the community. He cited a recent incident where the body of a Guatemalan man was found just weeks ago, as well as two separate cases in 2023 involving the bodies of young women dumped in the same alley.

Enriquez emphasized that the presence of street vendors and the hard-working community members who start their workday in the early hours are deeply affected by such incidents. He expressed a desire for more communication between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the community, so residents can be alerted about potential threats or isolated incidents.

Alderman Michael Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward also expressed his concerns, stating that the discovery of the body in his community, particularly near where children live, is distressing and troubling. Rodriguez suggested that the shooting likely occurred at a different location based on video evidence and other information obtained.

As investigations continue, CPD is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the victim's death. No arrests have been made thus far. Efforts are being made by both community leaders and law enforcement to address the safety concerns and ensure that residents can live without fear in their neighborhood.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and provide tips that could aid in the investigation. The cooperation of the community is essential in maintaining safety and bringing those responsible to justice.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Chicago's Southwest Side, and the need for concerted efforts to address the pervasive violence that is causing distress and shaking the sense of security within the community.