Steven Cotner Obituary, Death – A family is urgently seeking answers following the tragic shooting of a young man, Steven Cotner, who was killed while accompanying his sister on a pizza delivery in Calumet City, Illinois. The incident, which also left his sister injured, has left the family devastated.
Steven, just 23 years old, was known for his protective nature and deep love for his sisters. His sister, Allison Cotner, described him as a sweet person who was always cheerful. Just days before the tragedy, he had been accompanying her on deliveries for Windy City Pizza to learn about the job and keep her company. On Thursday night, they received an order shortly before 8 p.m., and everything seemed normal at first.
Upon arriving at the designated address, Allison communicated with a man on the phone, believing he was the customer. During the conversation, he changed the delivery instructions several times and inquired about the type of car they were driving. As they arrived, Steven exited the vehicle to make the delivery, but things took a horrifying turn.
Suddenly, a man approached Allison and pointed a gun at her, demanding money. Terrified, she pleaded with him, saying she had no money. Steven, hearing the commotion, quickly returned to assist his sister. However, another suspect approached from the opposite side of the car, creating a terrifying situation for both siblings.
Allison recounted how the armed man at her door continued to demand cash and physically assaulted her when she didn’t comply, leaving her bruised and bloodied. Seeing his sister hurt compelled Steven to intervene. He attempted to wrestle the gun away and even struck one of the suspects with his elbow. In the ensuing chaos, one suspect fled the scene while the other remained near the vehicle.
In a moment of fear and desperation, Allison heard two gunshots ring out. She quickly called 911, frantically urging them to assist her brother first, expressing feelings of guilt for not being able to protect him. “I just feel like I failed him because I couldn’t protect him,” she lamented.
Steven was rushed to a local hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound to his back. Meanwhile, Allison was treated for her injuries, receiving stitches for a wound above her eye. Despite her physical pain, she described the emotional pain of losing her brother as far more devastating.
As investigations unfold, authorities have not indicated whether they suspect the crime was premeditated or merely a random act of violence. Allison noted that the customer had not paid with a card and had instructed her to bring cash for change, raising suspicions about the circumstances of the delivery. She described the assailants as two young males wearing dark clothing and ski masks.
Though the suspects did not take any money from the delivery, they caused an irreplaceable loss to the Cotner family. Martina Lohrbach, Steven’s mother, expressed her grief, describing her son as always cheerful and full of life. “I just want justice for my baby. I just want them to be found,” she stated, echoing the family’s desire for answers.
The investigation is being led by the Calumet City Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, but as of now, no arrests have been made. “I just want my baby back. That’s all I want,” Martina added, highlighting the family’s profound sense of loss.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist with Steven’s funeral expenses, reflecting the community’s effort to support the grieving family. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident to reach out, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving this heartbreaking case. Those with leads can contact Calumet police at 708-868-2500 or provide anonymous tips at 708-891-STOP (7867).
As the investigation continues, the Cotner family and their community remain hopeful for justice and answers regarding the shocking loss of Steven Cotner.