Family Seeks Justice after Man Posing as Cop Fatally Shoots Mom-Of-Five

The family of an African American mother-of-five is seeking justice after she was fatally shot at a Chicago store by a man claiming to be a cop.

When 46-year-old Sircie Varnado made a stop at a Belmont Cragin Walgreens on Wednesday, June 12, she had no idea how ugly things would turn.

According to CBS Chicago, Varnado’s family said she was disabled and unemployed and was only on her way to see her boyfriend when she stopped to pick up some items from the store.

Chicago’s WLS-TV reported that the police said a store clerk confronted Varnado after suspecting her of shoplifting feminine care products. Another man who claimed to be a Chicago cop reportedly intervened and got into a verbal fight with Varnado.

It soon degenerated into a physical fight, however, and the man ended up shooting Varnado in the head. He reportedly fled the scene in a blue or black Ford SUV.

Varnado was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to the outlet. Now, Varnado’s relatives are furious and are demanding that justice be done.

The authorities are describing the man as an “unofficial security guard” at that Walgreens location

“We really need to know what's going on because she was loved and she had family,” her niece Nydia Foster, said.

Varnado’s sister, April Reed, lamented the situation to CBS Chicago:

“She didn’t deserve to be executed like that. He could have just held her for the police. He didn’t have to shoot her in her face. She didn’t have no weapon.”

Police officials have confirmed that the man who shot Varnado is not a cop. As at Friday, June 14, they said the yet-to-be-named man has been identified and is communicating with the police via his lawyer.

The authorities are describing the man as an “unofficial security guard” at that Walgreens location who has a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card and a concealed carry license.

The deceased’s sister, Maria Reed, told WLS-TV:

"There are many ways he could have apprehended her without shooting her in the face. He could have Tased her, he could have subdued her, hold her down, even pepper sprayed her, at least she would have been alive."

"I want to know why didn't the manager call police instead of this wannabe security guard," Maria added.

While officials continue to investigate the tragedy, a Walgreens spokesperson has reiterated that the company will remain cooperative.

"We are committed to providing a safe environment for our employees, patients, and customers in the communities we serve," the company said in a statement.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sircie Varnado as they go through this difficult time.