CHICAGO — A Sunday night in the West Pullman neighborhood ended in deadly violence after a well-known local photographer was shot and killed while sitting inside his car, according to the Chicago Police Department. The fatal shooting has left family, friends, and members of the creative community mourning a life cut short.
Police identified the victim as Troy Hollingsworth, 37, a Chicago photographer and the owner of PolaBear Red Filmz. Authorities said the shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, in the 100 block of East 118th Place. Hollingsworth was seated inside his Nissan Maxima when gunfire suddenly erupted.
According to investigators, an unknown individual opened fire on the vehicle. Hollingsworth was struck multiple times, police said. Officers and emergency responders arrived shortly after the shooting but were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead at the scene, officials confirmed.
The area was quickly secured as detectives and crime scene investigators began processing the location. Evidence markers were placed near the vehicle as officers searched for shell casings and other physical evidence. Residents in the area reported seeing a heavy police presence as the investigation unfolded late into the night.
At this time, no suspects are in custody, and police have not released information about a possible motive. Investigators are working to determine whether Hollingsworth was targeted or if the shooting was random. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance cameras from nearby homes and businesses in hopes of identifying the shooter or a vehicle involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not yet been released. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as detectives continue working to piece together what led to Hollingsworth’s death. As the community grieves, friends and supporters remember him not only for his work behind the camera, but for the impact he made through his creative vision and passion for photography.
