Blue Line shooting victim served in Marines, wanted to be a police officer

CHICAGO — Leonard Nyamusevya doesn’t want it to be lost on anyone that his son, Simeon Bihesi, had a family who loved him.

Bihesi, 28, was among the four commuters who were fatally shot early Labor Day as they slept aboard a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train.

The family is now struggling to come up with the financial means to give Bihesi a proper burial, but Nyamusevya said he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure his life is respected. “I want him to have a grave that my family can come and visit,” Nyamusevya said through tears Thursday. “I don’t want him to be cremated. No, I don’t want that.”

Nyamusevya said his son grew up in Columbus, Ohio, served in the United States Marine Corps., and had hoped to one day become a police officer. After returning from the service, Nyamusevya said Bihesi lost his home to foreclosure, forcing him to face homelessness.

“He’s a peaceful guy. He never had any problem with the law,” Nyamusevya said, adding that his son was a great person with an inquisitive mind.

“I am devastated,” Nyamusevya said.

The person accused of killing Bihesi and three others was ordered detained during an initial court appearance Wednesday. The judge described the case “horrific and appalling.”

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