GoFundMe Set Up For OLCHS Grad Wounded In Attempted Carjacking

OAK LAWN, IL — A GoFundMe campaign has organized for an Oak Lawn Community High School graduate who is recovering after being shot during an apparent attempted carjacking. Justin Spilde, 38, was returning from lunch in Blue Island to his workplace at Calumet Paint Co. when he became the victim of an apparent carjacking.

He was shot five times, suffering gunshot wounds in the arm and chest. One of the bullets went through his upper arm and into his rib and chest. Justin has a broken rib, fractured arm (which will need to be repaired surgically) and some damage to his left lung. The surgery to fix his arm will take place when they have the lung cleared of all the excess fluid and blood, according to information on GoFundMe.

Justin and his two bothers grew up in Oak Lawn and attended OLCHS. He still lives in the area. Neighbors have described Justine and his parents as assets to the community and wonderful people. According to the fundraiser organizer, Justin is in a ton of pain and has a long recovery ahead of him.

“Oak Lawn is an extremely tight-knit community, and we are always willing to help a friend and family member in need … In order to alleviate the stress that this unfortunate incident will have on his future recovery … we are looking to help [Justin] financially, so he can focus on getting stronger every day. Justin has a long road ahead of him and by the grace of God, your thoughts and prayers he is going to get through this.”

Justin is not going to be able to work for a while, and the medical bills are adding up fast. Gifts made to the Justice for Justin GoFundMe campaign will help pay medical bills, mortgage and every day living expenses while his is recovers and “should not be something he has to worry about. This is a community where we step in.”

The online fundraiser has set a goal of $35,000. As of Wednesday evening, $15,075 has been raised. Visit Justice for Justin GoFundMe to make a donation.