Two brothers were found shot to death inside their Evanston tobacco shop Tuesday night.
Update 9:40 a.m.: Police say the bodies of the men, Azim Hakeem, 38, and Mobeen Hakeem, 34,were found in the basement of the Evanston Pipe & Tobacco shop at 923 Davis St. by officers asked by a relative to check the property after the men failed to respond to phone calls.
Evanston Police Cmdr. Jay Parrott says investigators found no signs that the shop had been robbed and that at this point the department is classifying the incident as “a death investigation.”
Parrott says the bodies of the brothers, who both lived in Evanston, were transported to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office for post mortem examinations and that forensic personnel are still on scene.
The family-owned shop reportedly has operated in downtown Evanston for more than 30 years.
The North Regional Major Crimes Task Force is aiding Evanston police in the investigation.
Top: Police outside the tobacco shop this morning.
Hakeem family
Evanston Townships Class of 93' sends our prayers to the Hakeem Family!! We enjoyed Azim's company just two weeks ago at the 20th reunion. Blessings of Light and Love go out to Azim and his brother.
Hekeem brothers
They were the nicest men. This is so awful and sad. Sincere condolences to the family. And when are nearby Evanston residents and Evanston authorities going to acknowledge that the corner of Maple and Davis is a dark and threatening space??
Oh please, dark and threatening?
Oh please, dark and threatening? Are you serious? Aside from the random panhandler here and there, there is nothing threatening about that intersection. I have lunch at Gigios at least 3 times a week and stop in on weekend evenings quite frequently as well, and I have never once felt "threatened". Theres a police station a block and a half away for Pete's sake. Try taking a trip down towards Clark and Howard to see what dark and threatening really looks like.
Never felt in danger at Maple and Davis
I walk by the intersection of Maple and Davis at least twice a day. As someone else noted, never noticed anything more dangerous than an ooccasional panhandler. I assume the panhandler was at greater risk than I.
This corner is fine
I agree. I'm in this area all the time and feel completly safe. Unless something very different happens here late at night, I don't think this is an issue.
This is heartbreaking
This is heartbreaking — for the families, friends, and all of us who hope to live in Evanston is peace and safety.
They will be missed
These men were so nice whenever I came into the shop. I just want to tell the family that my thoughts are with them. I hope that they get some answers soon.
Hakeem brothers
This is tragic. They were such nice and courteous men. Always a pleasure to go into their shop. My deepest sympathy for their families.
Hekeem brothers
I used to buy cigars for my father in that shop. Their father was still active in the business, but I recall seeing the brothers there as well. I also want to tell the family that my thoughts are with them. I hope that they get some answers to this tragic situation soon.
Hakeem family
This is my town and I'm greiving the taking of two of our own.