On the evening of August 14, 2025, what began as an ordinary Facebook Live session for Kevin Watson, a 42-year-old father from Chicago, ended in tragedy. Watson, known to friends and family as "Tugg," was sitting in his car in the parking lot on the 5000 block of West Madison Street in the South Austin neighborhood, moments after leaving a nearby liquor store. As he streamed live to his followers, an encounter unfolded that would not only claim his life but also reverberate through his family, community, and the thousands who witnessed the event online.
According to the Chicago Police Department, Watson was approached by a vehicle. A person exited, produced a handgun, and fired shots, striking Watson in the chest. The chilling sequence, captured in real time, has since been viewed more than 2.5 million times on Facebook, transforming a private moment into a public tragedy. About 11 minutes into the livestream, Watson can be seen reacting to someone passing near the front of his car. “What’s up, bro?” he said, raising his hands. “What’s up?” he repeated, visibly shaken. Moments later, he scrambled out of the car and out of the camera’s view. The livestream then captured someone yelling outside, followed by a gunshot and the sound of a vehicle speeding away. Shortly after, a frantic voice could be heard screaming, “Hey Tugg! Call the police!” as chaos erupted before first responders arrived.
Watson was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital, but despite doctors’ efforts, he was pronounced dead. As his sister, Shamika Watson, recalled to NBC News, “They had told us, we’re sorry, we brought him back. They said he came to them dead on arrival, but somehow they brought him back but he lost so much blood, he just went.” The family, devastated, gathered at the hospital to process the sudden loss of a man they described as a loving father, brother, and friend.
The physical evidence at the scene provided investigators with crucial leads. Watson’s “Tugg” chain, emblazoned with his nickname, was found on the ground, stained with blood and bearing fingerprints. Shamika believes the chain was a motive for the attack. “My brother trusted too many people. In the video, that was brought to my attention by a couple of friends, he even said after they shot him, he said ‘they backdoored me,’ meaning the people in his crowd did it to him,” she explained. “He had a nice car, and jewelry, so there was a lot of hate.” The chain was collected by police as evidence, a grim reminder of the struggle that had taken place moments before Watson’s death.
Alvin Jackson, a close friend and witness, told local media that he saw Watson talking to someone before heading to his car. The individual followed Watson, and what began as a conversation escalated into a deadly altercation. The proximity of the confrontation to Watson’s vehicle suggests he may have been attempting to leave before being cornered. The presence of the chain at the scene supports the theory of a robbery or a personal dispute gone awry.
For the South Austin community, already grappling with persistent issues of crime and safety, Watson’s murder was another heavy blow. The incident has intensified local concerns about everyday violence and the unpredictable dangers residents face. Community members, businesses, and organizations are left to navigate the harsh reality that routine activities—like visiting a liquor store or sitting in a parking lot—can turn deadly in an instant. The trauma extends beyond the victim’s immediate family, affecting neighbors and children who simply want to live and play safely in their own neighborhoods.
Watson’s family described him as outgoing, outspoken, and devoted to those he loved, especially his 7-year-old son. “He was outgoing. He loved to dress, was very outspoken, definitely a good father, uncle, brother. He was loved by so many people all over the world,” Shamika shared. Watson was known in clubs and throughout the community, often using Facebook Live to connect with friends and followers, sharing insights into his life and previously hosting a podcast. His openness and visibility may have contributed to the envy and resentment that, according to his sister, ultimately led to his death.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Chicago Police Department relying on both traditional physical evidence and the digital livestream footage. The unique circumstances of the case—where the crime was broadcast live—have presented new challenges for law enforcement, blending old-school detective work with modern technology. Despite the abundance of evidence, no arrests have been made, and no suspect information has been released to the public. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital to solving the case.
Shamika Watson and her family have pleaded for witnesses to help bring Kevin’s killer to justice. “I just want the killer to be caught. Turn yourself in because we’re not going to quit. That’s our brother,” she said. “We're just hoping that everybody does the right thing, because if it was their loved one laying on that ground, then they would want someone to come forward.”
The broadcast of Watson’s murder highlights a disturbing trend: the increasing prevalence of violent crimes playing out on social media platforms. The psychological impact on viewers—many of whom witnessed the crime in real time—cannot be underestimated. Social media, while connecting people across distances, has inadvertently become a stage for tragedy, exposing thousands to trauma and raising questions about the responsibilities of platforms to monitor and manage violent content.
Watson’s death is not just another statistic in Chicago’s ongoing battle with gun violence. It is the loss of a father, a brother, and a friend—a man whose life and death have left a mark on all who knew him and many who did not. The ripple effects of his murder will linger in his community and among the countless viewers who witnessed his final moments online. The case stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address gun violence, from controlling illegal weapons to investing in conflict resolution and community safety programs.
As the investigation continues, Watson’s family and community hold onto hope for justice, determined that his death will not be forgotten and that the person responsible will be held accountable. In the meantime, they remember Kevin not for the way he died, but for the life he lived and the love he gave.
