CTA Worker Thomas Kevin Barlow Shot and Killed Near Roseland Maintenance Facility

A Chicago Transit Authority worker with nearly two decades of service was shot and killed in the early morning hours Monday near a South Side rail maintenance facility, leaving his family devastated and his community demanding justice.

Thomas Kevin Barlow, 57, was found fatally shot at approximately 4 a.m. in the 9900 block of South State Street in the Roseland neighborhood. Authorities say he was struck once in the chest, near the CTA's 98th Street rail maintenance facility. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Barlow had dedicated 19 years of his life to the CTA. By Monday evening, his family, coworkers, and union representatives had gathered to mourn his loss and publicly call for the gunman to be brought to justice.

"Kevin was a man of God," said Monica Miller, a family member. "He was always giving to people, he was there for someone. There is no reason, there is no answer you can give us or reason why he should have to go like this."

Loved ones described Barlow as a devoted family man and friend who made a habit of checking in on those around him — a generous spirit whose absence will be deeply felt.

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. Community activists joined union leadership in calling for accountability, with one advocate noting that Barlow's life was worth far more than any monetary amount.

"God will deal with you in his time," one relative said, addressing the shooter directly. "I want you to know you took a good person, you took a beautiful soul from us."

As of Monday evening, no arrests had been made and funeral arrangements were still pending. The killing underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of transit workers in Chicago, and Barlow's family says they will not stop pushing for answers until someone is held accountable.