A man shot and killed in Robbins April 9 has been identified as 33-year-old Zachary Spears Johnson, the Cook County medical examiner’s office reported.
Zishona Spears, Johnson’s sister, remembered her brother as cool and down-to-earth.
“He was a rock star, he loved rock and roll. He played the guitar,” Spears said. “He didn’t gangbang, he didn’t deal drugs or anything like that.”
Johnson has been living in Springfield, but was in town to celebrate his birthday April 9, Spears said.
“He was visiting his mom, my sister, his child’s mother and his child,” Spears said.
Johnson was the sixth of 12 children, Spears said. Another of their brothers with COVID-19 died in 2021.
“Zachary was just, all in all he was a good dude,” Spears said. “His main goal was being a dad. He loved his kids.”
Johnson was shot on the 13900 block of Grace Avenue, according to the medical examiner’s office, in the Richard Flowers Community Housing development.
He was pronounced dead shortly before 1 a.m. April 9, the medical examiner’s office said. His cause of death was listed as multiple gunshot wounds.
Spears said Johnson was shot in the course of an altercation at the home of his child’s mother.
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“It just was just an unfortunate, tragic loss that wasn’t even for nothing,” Spears said.
A GoFundMe was created to raise money for Johnson’s funeral expenses.
“On April 9, Zachary was preparing to celebrate his birthday surrounded by family and friends,” the fundraiser description reads. “Tragically, his life was taken before he could enjoy this special day. Zachary was a cherished friend whose kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew him. His sudden loss has left a deep void in the hearts of those who loved him.”
The Robbins Police Department did not return a request for comment.