1 Held In Murder Of Cabrini-Green Shopkeeper
CHICAGO (CBS) - One person remained in custody Thursday morning in connection with the murder of Bassam Naoum, the Cabrini-Green area convenience store owner who was gunned down this past weekend.
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Sources say the three were running from the scene after the shooting. The third man has been charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, but his name was not released. It was not immediately known whether further charges might be coming.
Sources say the person of interest has an extensive juvenile record, along with arrests as an adult. Tests are being done on the gun he had to see if it was used in Naoum's murder.
Surveillance video shows Naoum running away from the gunman inside his Munchies Market convenience store, at 950 N. Orleans St.
Naoum was affectionately known as "Ollie" in the Cabrini-Green commuity. His Munchies convenience store, and his second store, Ollie's at 1012 N. Larrabee St., have been in the neighborhood for more than 15 years.
On Wednesday, Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich wrote that Naoum had earned the respect of his community, and his stores were also social centers. Schmich wrote that Naoum continued to serve the residents of the Cabrini-Green community even "as the tall red-brick buildings toppled, replaced by weeds and bulldozers."
"When that strong will and good heart vanished, so did something at the very core of Cabrini-Green," Schmich wrote.
Police say robbery doesn't appear to be a motive. Cash was still in the register and other items of value were still in the store.
Friends say Naoum was known to have thousands of dollars in his pocket at any given time. People also knew where he kept his money.
"In a bag, under the cash register, so they know his habits. He has been open. It's not behind a closed door," said Naoum's friend, Gazi Mashal.
Visitation for Naoum will be held today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, at 1220 S. 60th Ct. in Cicero.
Flowers can be sent to the church listed above, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thanksgiving Dinner Fund in honor of Naoum, to Union Missionary Baptist Church, 940 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60610.
