Family Plagued by Chicago Violence On 3 Separate Occasions Gives Up on Justice, Leaves City For Good

A mother plans to move her family out of Chicago after facing multiple violent encounters including being held at gunpoint with son, losing niece to gun violence

Samara Harmon and her two children are leaving Chicago Tuesday for good after suffering from 3 traumatic incidence involving gun violencePhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - Samara Harmon, 35, a Chicago mother of two, has decided to leave the city following a series of violent incidents that have impacted her family. The latest event, captured on video, occurred earlier this month when a gunman threatened Harmon and her 10-year-old son, Amari. The terrified mother was held at gunpoint during a Labor Day robbery, leaving her and her son traumatized.

The incident took place in broad daylight on the 7300 block of South Wabash in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. Samara Harmon was confronted by a gunman shortly after returning home from the laundromat with her son. The entire encounter was captured on a Ring camera.

"I got my baby, please don’t hurt me!" Harmon pleaded as the gunman cocked his weapon twice. "You could hear the gun ready to fire," she said, recalling the terrifying moment. "He said, 'Bi***, open your purse, or I’ll blow your f***ing brains out.'"

Amari ran for help as the gunman demanded money. The robber stole $1,700, Harmon’s ID, and other personal items. The stolen cash was Harmon’s savings to start a new life in Atlanta, seeking refuge from Chicago’s rising gun violence.

Harmon managed to escape the situation by bluffing, telling the assailant that police were on their way, prompting him to flee.

Thinking quickly, Harmon tricked the gunman by shouting, "There go the police, run!" The robber fled in a waiting 2019 blue Honda Civic.

Chicago police are continuing their investigation, with Area One detectives assigned to the case.

Harmon remains frustrated with the lack of justice, as she was unable to identify the man who threatened her during a police lineup. Her son continues to receive therapy to cope with the trauma of the events. Despite receiving financial support through donations, Harmon says it has not been enough to fully rebuild.

In 2022, Harmon’s 20 year old niece, Laniya Murphy, was fatally shot while sitting in a car, marking the first major tragedy for the family. Murphy was a Governors State University student who was shot and killed in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood. The murder came as a tragic shock to family and friends and it seemed incredibly unfair as the young woman was a strong advocate for preventing gun violence.

Now, after the latest incident, Harmon has decided to relocate out of state, seeking a safer environment for her children. She has kept the new location private and is focusing on rebuilding her family’s life.

"I love my city, but I’m not about to lose my life to gun violence," Harmon said. "I’m a taxpayer, and I deserve better."

A virtual fundraiser has been launched to assist the family. They are scheduled to leave Chicago on Tuesday, still hoping for justice.