The South Side of Chicago is grappling with a profound sense of loss today as the community mourns the passing of 36-year-old Dennis T. Durley, who was fatally shot on Friday, November 7, 2025, in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood. According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded around 10 p.m. to reports of gunfire and found Durley suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
For those who knew him, Dennis was more than a victim of senseless violence—he was a cherished friend, a devoted son, and a steady presence in his neighborhood. Friends remember his hearty laugh, his ready smile, and the way his positivity seemed to spread when he entered a room. He was known for caring deeply about his family and the community, always showing up and offering his time when others needed a hand.
In the moments after the shooting, investigators say a witness described seeing a man step out of a white sedan, shoot the victim, and then return to the vehicle and flee. As of now, no arrests have been made and the case remains under investigation by Area One detectives. The family and friends of Dennis have been left with many questions and little closure, waiting for justice and answers.
The pain of losing someone so full of life is palpable. Dennis’s family has spoken of his kindness, his sense of humor, and the deep connections he formed with people around him. He was, they say, the person who brought light into a room—someone who kept showing up, despite life’s challenges, with a warm heart and open arms. His sudden departure leaves a void in the lives of many.
Beyond his personal warmth, Dennis represented what many hope for in their neighborhoods—a man rooted in community, ready to contribute, ready to lift others up. His passing is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, and how the impacts of violence ripple far beyond the moments in which it occurs. The neighborhood of Englewood now mourns a friend, a neighbor, a man who mattered deeply.
In the wake of this tragedy, Dennis’s family has issued a plea: if you were in the area that night, or if you heard or saw anything related to the white sedan or the suspect, please come forward. Visit cpdtip.com and provide any tip that could help investigators bring closure to a grieving community. The family holds hope that Dennis’ story may serve as a call to peace, unity, and vigilance in neighborhoods across Chicago.
Though Dennis may be gone far too soon, those who loved him are determined that his memory endures. His laughter, his kindness, his love for family and friends—they will live on. In every quiet gesture, in every act of compassion, in every time someone chooses community over conflict, his spirit can be remembered and honored. May Dennis T. Durley rest in peace—his light will shine on in all the lives he touched.