Chicago Chef Mourns Slain Employee After Deadly Carjacking

Darwin Tirado, 22, was killed during a carjacking near Navy Pier, devastating his employer and the community.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Chicago police are investigating a deadly carjacking that resulted in the death of Darwin Tirado, a 22-year-old employee at Chef Art Smith's Navy Pier restaurant. Tirado was sitting in his car with another man when two armed suspects approached them, demanded their car and belongings, and shot and killed Tirado as they fled. Tirado's car was then used in another carjacking and deadly shooting in a different neighborhood within the hour.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Darwin Tirado has shaken the local community, with Chef Art Smith, Tirado's employer, calling for justice and the public's help in the investigation. Carjackings have been a growing problem in Chicago, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to address this issue.

The details

According to police, Tirado was sitting in his car with another man on West Waveland Avenue in the Northalsted neighborhood when two armed suspects approached them, demanding their car and belongings. Tirado was shot and killed as the suspects fled the scene. Tirado's car was then used in another carjacking and deadly shooting in the Bronzeville neighborhood within the same hour. Police are investigating the connection between the two incidents and whether the same suspects were involved in both cases.

  • The incident occurred last Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • As of Monday, February 17, 2026, Chicago police said they had no new details in the case.

The players

Darwin Tirado

A 22-year-old employee at Chef Art Smith's Navy Pier restaurant, Reunion, and a student at City Colleges of Chicago. Tirado was killed during the carjacking.

Chef Art Smith

The owner of the Navy Pier restaurant where Tirado worked. Smith has spoken out on behalf of Tirado's family, calling for justice and the public's help in the investigation.

Edita Tirado

Darwin Tirado's mother, who has worked for Chef Art Smith for more than 20 years.

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What they’re saying

“He was a joyful young man. Very full of life. Kind. Considerate, very smart.”

— Chef Art Smith, Employer of Darwin Tirado (CBS News Chicago)

“I want this person brought to justice. I think if people know anything, they need to report it immediately to the police.”

— Chef Art Smith, Employer of Darwin Tirado (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

As of Monday, February 17, 2026, Chicago police said they had no new details in the case. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Darwin Tirado has highlighted the growing problem of carjackings in Chicago and the need for stronger measures to address public safety concerns. The local community is rallying around Tirado's family and calling for justice, underscoring the impact these incidents can have on individuals, families, and the broader community.