Dunning, Chicago shooting: Divonte Calhoun and Justin Redmond charged with murder of Zet Rodriguez in 3900 block of Pittsburgh Avenue

CHICAGO (WLS) — There is finally a sense of calm in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood weeks after the brutal murder of a young father on his way to work.

Chicago police announced charges Tuesday against the men they believe responsible.

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“We are here today to announce charges related to the tragic murder of a 24-year-old man that occurred in the Dunning neighborhood on May 10, 2024,” said CPD Deputy Chief Kevin Bruno.

Police say Divonte Calhoun, 32, and Justin Redmond, 41, murdered Zet Rodriguez. Police say Calhoun and Redmond are convicted felons who were on parole at the time of the murder.

“The victim was on his way to work just after 7 a.m. when he was approached by Calhoun in the 3900 block of North Pittsburgh. Calhoun shot the victim and demanded money before fleeing on foot,” Bruno said.

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Bruno said a trove of surveillance video, showing the shooting and Calhoun getting into a waiting vehicle driven by Redmond, was the start they needed to track down their suspects.

The vehicle was registered to a relative of Calhoun. Calhoun was arrested the day of the murder, but released until additional forensic and telephone evidence came back to strengthen detectives' case.

“Calhoun's cell phone was a crucial piece of evidence because detectives were able to locate Calhoun in the 3900 block of North Pittsburgh around the time the murder occurred. Call data records from Redmond's phone place him also at the scene of the murder at that time of the event,” Bruno said.

Eventually, police located Calhoun in Gurnee and Redmond in the Dunning neighborhood, just five minutes away. Neighbors on the street where Rodriguez was shot are relieved by news of the arrests.

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“Oh, I think it's great. I think it was actually pretty quick. I mean, those detectives were there, and they were there all day,” a neighbor said.

“People always say they want closure, and they want justice, and I hope justice prevails here. And I'm confident that with all the hard work and diligence of detectives, we have the right people ” said 38th Ward Alderman Nicholas Sposato. .

CPD says there is no indication Rodriguez was specifically targeted. Police also said there were no other suspects.

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