Tire marks in the mud and parts of a vehicle were left in front of the Saint Peter Claver Mission Church of St. Mary Magdalene Parish Monday in Robbins.
A day earlier, police said a 71-year-old man was killed after three teenagers crashed his Ford Taurus into a stolen Kia at the same location.
“To lose him to something like this, it’s terrible. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” said Aaron Crutchfield, nephew of the victim, Donald Carter Sr.
Crutchfield said Carter was a mechanic before his retirement and lived in St. Peter Claver Courts.
“Such a loving fun, his smile, he loved to joke, he loved his grandchildren, which is heartbreaking, he’s no longer with us,” Carter said.
Lester Whiby, another resident of St. Peter Claver Courts, said he knew Carter.
“He was loved by everyone in the building,” Whiby said. “The conversation we had today from the residents who knew and loved him was positive.”
According to Robbins police, an officer was driving on Kedzie Avenue when he noticed a northbound Kia with a broken driver’s side window. Just as the officer was about to follow the Kia, the vehicle crashed into Carter’s car, according to authorities.
Carter was taken to an area hospital where he later died.
Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant issued a statement in part, saying, “”I want to express my sincere condolences to his family, neighbors and friends.”
Police said three 13-year-old boys in the Kia were arrested and taken to the Robbins Police Department.
