BREAKING: An Evanston man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the shocking murder of a father shot dead in front of his young daughter. The case, which has drawn widespread attention, culminated in the sentencing of Khiryan Monroe, now 20, for the brutal crime that occurred on July 14, 2022.
In a courtroom filled with tension, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Lorraine Mary Murphy handed down the sentence after Monroe pled guilty to second-degree murder. He will receive credit for 1,171 days already served in custody. This tragic incident unfolded in a park near 2100 McCormick Blvd., where Servando Hamros, 29, was enjoying an outing with his 7-year-old daughter while playing Pokemon Go.
The horrifying events began when Hamros stumbled upon Monroe and another individual engaged in sexual activity on a blanket in the park. According to prosecutors from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Hamros began filming the couple on his cellphone, joking about their actions. This prompted a confrontation, escalating into violence.
Witnesses reported that following a suspected armed robbery where Hamros allegedly took cell phones from Monroe and his date, Monroe fled the scene. Prosecutors revealed that Monroe returned to the park shortly after, armed and intent on revenge. He fired an astonishing 17 shots, fatally striking Hamros while his daughter was mere feet away, causing her screams to alert a nearby bystander who called the police.
Evanston police responded urgently around 9:05 p.m. to find Hamros lying in the park, where lifesaving measures were attempted. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage captured the chaos, showing Monroe’s vehicle blocking traffic as he fired the deadly shots.
Hamros’ daughter was physically unharmed but has been left with emotional scars from witnessing such violence. Cmdr. Ryan Glew of the Evanston police emphasized the psychological impact this incident has had on her. The community is grappling with the aftermath as parents express concern over safety in local parks.
Monroe, who had no prior criminal history and held a valid firearm owner’s identification card but lacked a concealed carry license, now faces a significant prison sentence that reflects the gravity of his actions. The case has sparked discussions about gun violence and safety in public spaces, resonating deeply with families across the nation.
As communities band together to support Hamros’ daughter, all eyes turn to the future and the need for measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Authorities are urging parents to stay vigilant and engage in conversations about safety with their children.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and its far-reaching consequences, particularly on innocent lives. The emotional toll on Hamros’ daughter and the community at large remains a poignant aspect of this tragic story.
Stay tuned for further updates as the community seeks justice and healing in the wake of this devastating incident.
