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Father Of Three Becomes Victim In Violent Alley In Gresham

CHICAGO (CBS) -- He rushed his family inside to safety, but then lost his life to gunfire.

Now, the family of Ashton Simpson is mourning his death and police are searching for his killer.

Simpson just arrived home from grocery shopping when shots rang out.

He got his family safely inside their home and then went outside to investigate.

He walked into the alley, where he was shot multiple times and died before his neighbors' eyes.

He was breathing up to the moment his wife came up to him.

At that moment, 36, a father of three, passed away.

It's a nice nook in Gresham, by a park.

The alley is not.

"He is like the third or fourth person to die in that alley," said Donald Brown, 19.

A neighbor, Raynetta Tyler, told CBS 2's Brad Edwards: "This man would be at home with his family, instead they are planning his funeral."

Simpson was known around here as a hard worker, who cared for his family and his neighborhood.

"This man is a hero," said Tyler. "He went to the ally to see about someone else."

No one is in custody.

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