West Ridge store owner killed in robbery remembered as ‘compassionate and hardworking man’

Family members say Salim Khamo’s food and liquor store in West Ridge was a “testament to his honest work.”

Monday night, he was working behind the counter of the store in the 6300 block of North Western Avenue when a gunman rode up on a bike and demanded money from the register, according to police.

Khamo, 66, refused to comply and was shot in his chest, police said. Khamo returned fire but missed, police said.

He was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He leaves behind a wife, three children and seven grandchildren.

Khamo will be remembered as a compassionate and hardworking man, his son Siefar Khamo told the Sun-Times. He left Iraq as a refugee in 1993 and came to the United States to build a better life for his family.

Khamo has owned the West Ridge food and liquor store since 2006.

“The store was a testament to his honest work, and he was so proud of all the risks he took to provide more for his family,” his son said.

Khamo family

“Nothing brought him more joy than to watch his family continue to grow in the new life he had started here for them,” his son said. “His grandkids were his light and joy. They could brighten his smile every time they saw him.”

Police released surveillance photos of the robber Tuesday night. They said he ran off after the shooting, leaving behind his bike. No one was in custody.

“Whomever is responsible for this senseless act of violence, I hope you are brought to justice for taking the life of such a loved and honored man,” Siefar Khamo said.

Chicago Police Department

Contributing: Allison Novelo