Janitor shot dead in South Shore neighborhood

October 12, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Police are investigating the shooting death of a janitor outside of a building where he worked.

The victim, in his 70s, died at the scene.

The shooting happened at 68th and East End in the South Shore neighborhood.

Billy Thompson, a well-known figure in the community and it seems like everyone has a story about what a kind, gentle spirit he was.

Investigators were still on the scene late Friday night trying to find out every bit of information as possible in the active and ongoing investigation.

There were tears, sadness, and rage Friday night in the South Shore neighborhood after a 74-year-old man, who was well-known in the community, was shot and killed.

Residents say a stray bullet may have hit him.

"The whole neighborhood loved him," said Sandra Hardin. "He's just sitting in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Police say the shooting happened about 7:15 Friday night near 68th and South East End.

Residents and friends of Thompson say he never bothered anyone, was always happy to help others, and had been in the neighborhood for decades.

"He was somebody in the community that anybody could get anything from," said Sylvia Brooks.

Chicago Police confirmed that Thompson was not the intended target in this shooting.

Whether or not it was a stray bullet that hit him is still being investigated.

Thompson has four daughters, who are making their way to Chicago from out of state.

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local, stacey baca

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