Illinois Man with Alzheimer's Shot Dead After Entering Wrong Home

Family demands answers after 62-year-old Carmelo Medina was killed by a homeowner who claimed he 'charged' at him.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a fatal home shooting incident.A single bullet casing left behind after a fatal home shooting highlights the tragic consequences when lethal force is used against a vulnerable individual.Chicago Today

Carmelo Medina, a 62-year-old Illinois man suffering from Alzheimer's, was shot and killed early Monday morning after accidentally entering the wrong home in Chicago's South Deering neighborhood. The 33-year-old homeowner claimed Medina 'charged' at him, leading him to open fire. Medina's family is now seeking justice, stating he was a 'loving man struggling with a serious illness' who needed 'help and understanding' rather than lethal force.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer's and the need for greater awareness and compassion when dealing with vulnerable individuals who may become disoriented or confused. It also raises questions about the use of deadly force by homeowners in self-defense cases, especially when the 'intruder' may pose no real threat.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a call of a person shot around 1:30 a.m. on Monday in the 2200 block of East 103rd Street. They found Medina inside a residence with a gunshot wound to the chest, and he died at the scene. The 33-year-old homeowner claimed Medina had entered his home and 'charged toward him,' leading him to open fire. Medina's family has started a fundraiser to cover burial and funeral costs, stating he was a 'loving man struggling with a serious illness' who 'needed help and understanding' rather than lethal force.

  • On Sunday, Carmelo Medina went missing while battling Alzheimer's.
  • Around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Medina entered the wrong home in Chicago's South Deering neighborhood.

The players

Carmelo Medina

A 62-year-old Illinois man suffering from Alzheimer's who was shot and killed after accidentally entering the wrong home.

33-year-old homeowner

The resident of the home who shot and killed Medina, claiming he 'charged' at him.

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What they’re saying

“Carmelo was not a threat—he was a loving man struggling with a serious illness who needed help and understanding. His passing has left our family devastated and searching for peace during this incredibly painful time.”

— Marilu Medina, Carmelo Medina's sister

“It didn't have to get to that point where a gun had to be used.”

— Carmelo Medina's son

“Thank you so much to everyone who helped us share this we have found my uncle, but he has passed away. His life was taken unjustly. We demand justice. He was not a bad person he didn't know what was happening he had Alzheimer's. The police refuse to do anything. May he rest in peace. Carmelo Medina.”

— Ana Bahena, Carmelo Medina's family member

What’s next

Area Two detectives have launched a homicide investigation, and it remains unclear if the homeowner will face any charges.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater awareness and compassion when dealing with individuals suffering from Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments. It also raises important questions about the appropriate use of deadly force by homeowners, especially when the 'intruder' poses no real threat.