Gage Park Store Owner Fatally Shot During Robbery
UPDATED: 1/3/2013 11:10 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) --Chicago police are looking for the men who shot and killed a longtime Southwest Side businessman during a hold-up last night.
Robbery Turns Deadly On SW Side
Chicago police say two men walked into Independent Muffler Shop on 56th and Western Wednesday night and pretended to talk about work they wanted done on a car.
Then, they announced a robbery.
One of the men shot 57-year old shop owner Michael Kozel in the back.
Kozel, who was married and a father, was rushed to Stroger Hospital where he later died.
Kozel knew the neighborhood was dangerous, but over more than 20 years he became friends with his customers and enjoyed working at his shop.
"He was a good person, good provider, a very big heart," Antonia Kozel, Michael's wife of 37 years, told CBS 2's Susanna Song.
His daughter, Amber Kozel, said: "There are no words to describe what my mom and family are going through. My dad has the biggest heart, my mom lost her best friend over something so stupid."
The family said Kozel would have freely given the attackers the money. They often worried about his safety.
Kozel's son rushed to the shop after the shooting and was with him when he died.
Kozel's death is the fifth homicide since the beginning of the new year.
