Lawsuit Likely In Willowbrook Shooting: Lawyer

WILLOWBROOK, IL – The family of the man who died after Sunday's shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Willowbrook is looking to sue the property owner, their lawyer said Tuesday.

Reginald Meadows, 31, of Willowbrook, was identified as the man who died after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Authorities said 22 others were injured, at least two critically. No arrests have been reported.

Chicago attorney Robert Fakhouri said the property owner of the strip mall where the shooting happened took no measures to keep attendees safe.

"When an individual invites those onto their property, there are certain duties and responsibilities for having those invitees on their premises, which include ensuring the property is not unsafe or in hazardous condition," Fakhouri said in an interview with Patch. "In this case, nothing was done."

The shooting occurred early in the morning at the southwest corner of Route 83 and Honeysuckle Rose Lane, next to the Hinsdale Lake Terrace apartments.

The strip mall is in unincorporated Willowbrook, across the street from the Burr Ridge village limit.

In the interview, Fakhouri said this was the third annual Juneteenth celebration at the strip mall. The other two lasted until 4 or 5 in the morning, he said.

The latest one, Fakhouri said, included the filming of a music video.

"They implemented no safety measures to ensure those gathering on the property would be safe," the lawyer said. "We are investigating the rights of my client, the decedent, to pursue a wrongful death and survival action."

He said his office was looking to speak with attendees of the Juneteenth events to assist with the inquiry

The law firm can be reached through its website. Its number is 312-471-8873.

Police were unsure Sunday how many shooters opened fire on the crowd — estimated by one witness to be around 300 people earlier in the night — but said multiple rounds were fired from multiple weapons.

Fakhouri also said his firm is investigating property ownership information. Patch could not immediately identify the owner.