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What The Hell Is Going On In The Suburbs?

By Jocelyn Geboy in News on Feb 22, 2007 8:40PM

Truth be told, we're always a little annoyed with people who are super afraid of the city. Who think that around every corner is a drug dealer, prostitute or gun fight. Who are convinced that the streets are just riddled with crime and that you have to constantly be watching your back, lest you be mugged or taken advantage of.

2007_02gunfire.jpgWhile we want to prove those people wrong (suburbanites and our parents), we have no desire to see other people get hurt. Another man from the suburbs was killed yesterday, in his own home, after answering the door. What? 28-year-old Niles resident Michael Childers answered his front door and gunshots rang out to meet him.

His father, Leonard Bird, heard the shots and grabbed his own gun and headed downstairs. He exchanged gunfire with one of the gunmen, and two people fled. Neither Bird or the two gunmen were hurt, but Michael Childers lay in the doorway, dying. Witnesses saw two men escape in an van located nearby.

As in Keith Daughtery's case, it is suspected that this was also a robbery attempt. Again, if you have any information about this case, you can call the Niles police department at their non-emergency number -- 847-588-6500.

"Mr. Fix-It: A Matter of Death & Death" by Tafa