Chicago father of 3 shot and killed by stray bullets

FOX 32 NEWS - Demarco Kennedy was known as a dedicated father of three, working overnights to support his family.

But on Tuesday night, two bullets came through his apartment window on the Far South Side and killed him.

Now, his neighborhood is taking a stand against this kind of violence.

An intersection in Rossmoor was filled with community members upset, nervous and willing to do something to stand up against violence. Also in the crowd was Demarco Kennedy’s family.

"He is the epitome of true love....epitome of true love, he showed my kids ...as well as myself,” said DeMarco’s wife, Nicole Kennedy.

Demarco Kennedy, 32, was shot and killed Tuesday night. He was sitting at his kitchen table paying bills when a stray bullet struck him in the neck when someone was firing shots from a Popeye’s fast food restaurant behind his apartment building. 

"The one thing we took pride is was being stand up guys take care of our kids,” said brother Lorenzo Kennedy.

Kennedy was a father of three kids and drove trucks for the railroad. Nicole Kennedy was with him for 18 years.

"From the time we seen him die to from the time we were on the phone with the paramedics and everybody else, my son stood next to me and said ....it's going to be okay,” she said.

Just hours after his murder, District 5 police officials organized a meeting in the street, blocking off traffic, handing out flyers and setting up chairs; all just a block from where Kennedy was shot.

The purpose of the meeting? Exactly what it is called: “Operation Wake Up"

"Someone who's listening saw something heard something now it's time for you to say something,” said Alderman Anthony Beale.

"This isn't about speeches, this isn’t about the people we are going to come up here and tell you stuff, this is about work, we ask everybody here to sign up so they can get involved,” said Glen Brooks.

Kennedy’s wife is also asking for help to make the community safer and find her husband’s killer.

"I need you all - I need the community to come together and speak up and speak out,” she said.

Community and police leaders are asking the community to sign up for beat meetings, parent patrols and neighborhood watch groups. And now, dozens have signed up to help.

If you want to get involved in your community - contact your local police district.

Police are still investigating Tuesday night's shooting.