Two men shot to death on front steps of church in Austin

Two men were shot to death Sunday morning on the front steps of a church in the West Side Austin neighborhood.

Emmanuel Fleming, 34; Michael Swift, 46, were standing outside the Friendship Baptist Church in the 200 block of South Laramie at 11:19 a.m., according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Two people walked up and fired shots at the younger man, police said.

Both men suffered gunshot wounds to their bodies, authorities said. The shooters then drove away southbound in a silver or gray SUV.

Fleming was taken to Stroger Hospital, while Swift was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, authorities said. They were both pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Fleming lived in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side, and Swift lived in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.

Deputy Chief Al Nagode said one of the victims was believed to be a member of the church.

Police on Monday released a surveillance photo of the vehicle seen driving away from the scene, believed to be either a silver or grey Toyota Rav4. ANyone recognizing the vehicle is asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8261.