Pilsen Grieves for Pedro Toledo: Family Claims He Was an Innocent Victim in Heart of Chicago Shooting Near 17th and Wolcott

CHICAGO (WLS) — A memorial is growing on Tuesday at the spot where a man was killed while standing in the crossfire of a Southwest Side gun battle over the weekend, relatives told ABC7.

When the sound of gunfire erupted near Juanita Romero’s home, she did not know that the violence took the life of her decades-old friend, who family members identified as Pedro Toledo.

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“He was the icon of this community. Everybody loved him,” Romero said. “There was a lot of gunshots. I jumped out of my bed. It scared me so much.”

Balloons, candles, and a picture of the man beloved in the Pilsen community now mark the area where his life ended and his loved ones’ heartache began.

“He will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered here,” Romero said.

Relatives say the 57-year-old, who was affectionately known as Pepe, was one of three people shot on Sunday morning near 17th and Wolcott when multiple gunmen opened fire.

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Police say Toledo was shot multiple times. He was the only victim of that shooting who died from his injuries.

Toledo’s family and friends told ABC7 he was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire of gun violence after years of experiencing homelessness.

“He survived all these years through winters, through COVID, and nothing ever happened to him. And for him to die this way, it’s just not fair,” Romero said.

“Friends and family say they plan to gather at the memorial until Toledo is laid to rest. Relatives said his funeral arrangements are pending. So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

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