EDGEWATER — Family and friends are raising money for the funeral of Quentin Payton, a West Ridge father who was shot and killed Sunday while spending a night out with friends when the group's private party bus stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts.
Payton had spent the evening riding the bus with friends when it temporarily pulled over at 6332 N. Broadway in Edgewater.
According to police, an argument broke out between Payton, another 32-year-old man standing with him, and someone nearby in a dark-colored SUV. Shots were fired between the groups.
Payton was struck in his head and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. The man beside him was also taken there with a gunshot wound to his left leg.
Another person, Chaz Johnson of Evanston, was shot in the torso and died later that morning.
Payton's girlfriend Erin Escher, along with his family members, have launched a GoFundMe page for their beloved "QP" with the hopes of raising $5,000 to cover funeral expenses.
As of Thursday afternoon, the goal was just short of being met at $3,200.
"Unfortunately due to the violence and recklessness of these Chicago streets, the Payton family have lost their loving son, father, brother, and cousin," the page states. "The family and loved ones thank you for your thoughtful donation in memory of Quennie Pooh. All funds will be given directly to QP's family to help with the costs of the funeral and arrangements."
His visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Corbin Colonial Funeral Chapel, 5354 W. Madison St., followed by a 9:30 a.m. wake and 10 a.m. funeral on Saturday at the same location.
On Wednesday, Escher described Payton as a "jokester" who wasn't known to have enemies.
She didn't know what led to the shooting, but said he was at "the wrong place at the wrong time," she said.
"I know at the end of the day he would never be the intended target, never, never," she said. "He didn't have problems with anybody — there would be no reason to."
