Investigation into Grand Crossing Shooting After Funeral for Local Rapper

Naseem Stevens, a 26-year-old man, was shot and killed at a Grand Crossing gas station on a Friday evening, shortly after attending the funeral of Mi’KQuale Cooper, a rapper known as BloodHound Q50. Police are currently exploring the possibility of a connection between Stevens’ shooting and the funeral for Cooper. However, Stevens’ mother, Karonna Williams, disputes rumors linking her son to gang activity. She stresses that Stevens was not involved with the BloodHounds street gang, despite social media claims.

Williams describes her son as “a ray of sunshine,” highlighting his charismatic, loving, and joyful nature. Stevens was the eldest child in the family and had been part of the South Shore Drill Team, even performing in New York at one point. He was known by the nickname Poohman from middle school, although his family referred to him as Naseem.

Throughout his life, Stevens had “done things the wrong way,” according to Williams. He served time in prison for gun-related offenses in 2022 and had a history of arrests following his release. Nevertheless, Williams notes a positive change in her son, attributing it to his impending fatherhood. Stevens was anticipating the birth of his first child next year and was enthusiastic about starting a new chapter with his partner.

Williams last saw her son Friday morning before leaving for work. She was unaware of his plans for the day and uncertain if he attended Cooper’s funeral. A police report indicates the car Stevens drove during the shooting had a funeral sticker on it, despite Williams’ uncertainty about his attendance.

Merrillville, Indiana, hosted Cooper’s funeral earlier that Friday. Police are investigating potential ties between Cooper’s connections to the area and Stevens’ shooting. Cooper was killed at a Fuller Park gas station less than two weeks prior. He had arrived at the location in a white Tesla near 42nd and Wentworth around 4 a.m. on Sept. 14. Six shooters in two cars fired at Cooper and a female companion. The woman remained unharmed, while Cooper was pronounced dead within an hour. The incident triggered social media speculation and tributes from collaborators commending Cooper’s artistic talents and personal authenticity.

As of Monday afternoon, police had not detained anyone for either Stevens’ or Cooper’s shootings. Homicide detectives continue their investigations into these events.