Cook County Crime Stoppers Seek Leads in Deadly Avondale Assault

Police release images of persons of interest in brutal beating that killed 25-year-old father

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:36pm

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Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information related to the violent assault that left Alexander 'Zander' Kazanowski dead in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood last month. Police have released images and video of four persons of interest they believe are connected to the crime, which occurred near a local bar on Belmont Avenue.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of unsolved violent crimes in Chicago, where community cooperation is often crucial for detectives to make progress. The death of the young father has devastated his loved ones, underscoring the human toll of such tragedies.

The details

According to authorities, Kazanowski was found unresponsive around 3:30 a.m. on March 25 on Belmont near Harding Avenue, having suffered fatal blunt force trauma. Police say he was violently assaulted after an altercation, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Crime Stoppers canvassed the area on the same day as Kazanowski's memorial service, hoping to gather any eyewitness accounts or leads from local businesses and residents.

  • Kazanowski's body was discovered around 3:30 a.m. on March 25, 2026.
  • Crime Stoppers canvassed the area on the same day as Kazanowski's memorial service.

The players

Alexander 'Zander' Kazanowski

A 25-year-old man who was violently assaulted and killed in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood last month, leaving behind a newborn child.

Cook County Crime Stoppers

A nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement to offer rewards and gather information from the public about unsolved crimes.

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating Kazanowski's death, who have released images and video of four persons of interest they believe are connected to the crime.

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What they’re saying

“You know that old saying says, see something, say something? And in this case, we definitely need to know exactly what happened to Xander.”

— Paul Rutherford, Crime Stoppers representative

“Just having a beer and was going to go home, and never made it home.”

— Paul Rutherford, Crime Stoppers representative

“Twenty-five-year-old guy, father, got a newborn on the way, and here he's uh ... someone killed him … and we're trying to ask the community and the businesses if they saw anything, try to help the detectives solve the case.”

— Paul Rutherford, Crime Stoppers representative

What’s next

Chicago police are continuing to investigate the case and urge anyone with information about the four persons of interest or the incident to contact detectives or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the ongoing challenges of unsolved violent crimes in Chicago, where community cooperation is often crucial for detectives to make progress. The death of the young father has devastated his loved ones, highlighting the human toll of such tragedies and the importance of coming together to support victims' families and bring perpetrators to justice.