Beloved South Side Chef and Chemistry Chicago Co-Owner Isaac “Wavy” Bradley, 44, and Lamar Butler, 31, Killed in Back of the Yards Mass Shooting on South Wood Street

CHICAGO, IL — A devastating early Friday morning mass shooting in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood has claimed the lives of two men, including Isaac “Wavy” Bradley, a prominent South Side chef and celebrated restaurant owner who was on the verge of launching his newest culinary venture.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office and close community members identified the two deceased victims as 44-year-old Isaac “Wavy” Bradley and 31-year-old Lamar Butler. Five other individuals were wounded during the rapid burst of violence.

According to the Chicago Police Department, the tragedy occurred at approximately 12:26 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Wood Street. A group of friends and family had gathered outside to enjoy the summer evening when two unidentified gunmen suddenly approached the gathering on foot. Without warning, the suspects unleashed a hail of automatic gunfire into the crowd before fleeing the scene.

Neighborhood residents reported being jolted awake by the unmistakable sound of automatic weapons. Brandon Gary, a close lifelong friend of both deceased men, rushed outside his childhood home to find Bradley and Butler unresponsive on the pavement as emergency sirens wailed in the distance. Gary noted that the scene was littered with an estimated 40 to 50 shell casings.

Emergency medical personnel transported the victims to local trauma centers. One of the male victims, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and leg, was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The second male victim sustained a critical gunshot wound to his abdomen and succumbed to his injuries at Mount Sinai Hospital. Five additional victims were hospitalized with various gunshot wounds, including one woman who remains in critical condition.

The news of Bradley’s death has sent profound shockwaves through Chicago’s culinary and business communities. As the acclaimed chef and co-owner of the upscale steakhouse Chemistry Chicago in Hyde Park, Bradley was a highly respected entrepreneurial force on the South Side. His successful local ventures included Soul Shack, Stussy’s Diner, Retro Grill, and LiteHouse Whole Food Grill. Tragically, Bradley was shot and killed just as he was preparing for the highly anticipated grand opening of his latest restaurant concept, Soul Ramen.

Grieving friends and neighbors described both Bradley and Butler as upstanding, dedicated men who did not have enemies, calling the attack an act of senseless violence.

Chicago Police Department detectives and forensic investigators remained at the 51st and Wood Street intersection for hours collecting evidence and looking for nearby surveillance footage. No suspects are currently in custody, and a motive for the shooting has not yet been established. The investigation remains active and ongoing.