Store owners say gang war killing business

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - An ongoing gang war is being blamed for the death of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee and now local business owners say it's also killing their ability to make a living.

Businesses on East 79th Street in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood plan to speak out against that gang warfare on Friday.

Businesses owners in the area say they're tired of staying quiet and they want customers to feel comfortable coming to their stores.

The 79th Street Business Corridor Association will talk on Friday about how gang violence affecting their businesses. They say gang war is literally killing their business.

79th Street is a heavily traveled stretch of road that goes through several neighborhoods including the Chatham and Gresham neighborhoods. Chicago police say it also goes through several gang territories.

A press conference is scheduled to take place Friday at 1 p.m.