Kevin Clewer Stabbing Death in Chicago Illinois

The brutal murder of 31-year-old Kevin Clewer on March 24, 2004, left a scar on Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community in Boystown. Kevin’s violent death in his own apartment stunned his family, friends, and the local community. Nearly two decades later, the case remains unsolved, though recent developments offer a renewed hope that justice might be within reach. Kevin’s story is one of tragedy and heartbreak, but it also underscores the resilience of those determined to see justice served.

Kevin’s Final Hours

On the night of March 23, 2004, Kevin went out with friends to enjoy the nightlife in Boystown, a vibrant LGBTQ+ district known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. That evening, Kevin visited several popular bars, including Sidetrack, Roscoe’s, and the now-demolished Little Jim’s. Friends later recalled that he was in good spirits, laughing and socializing, just as he usually did.

During the evening, Kevin encountered a man who introduced himself as “Fernando.” Witnesses reported that the two seemed to have an instant connection, and the pair eventually left the bar scene together, heading back to Kevin’s third-floor apartment on Elaine Place. This chance meeting would mark the last time Kevin was seen alive.

A Father’s Worst Nightmare

The following day, after Kevin failed to show up for work, his family grew concerned. His father, Jim Clewer, decided to check on him, unaware of the horrific scene he was about to uncover. When Jim arrived at Kevin’s apartment, he found his son’s lifeless body in his bedroom, naked except for a robe. Kevin had been stabbed over 40 times in the back, lying face down in a fetal position. The sheer brutality of the murder shocked even seasoned homicide detectives, who described the crime as an “assault on the conscience.”

Chicago Police launched an immediate investigation, interviewing Kevin’s friends and combing through the details of his final hours. Their findings led them to the mystery man known as “Fernando,” the last known person to be seen with Kevin. Detectives quickly named Fernando a person of interest and released a composite sketch, based on witness descriptions, to the public.

The Search for Fernando

The man known as Fernando was described as a Hispanic male with a slim, athletic build, around 5’7” tall, and likely in his mid-twenties at the time. He reportedly spoke with an accent that could be Hispanic or European Spanish. The police sketch of Fernando was widely circulated throughout Boystown and beyond, with businesses, friends, and supporters displaying it in hopes of sparking someone’s memory.

Kevin’s parents, Jim Clewer and Pam Cunningham, became vocal advocates, tirelessly distributing thousands of flyers with the sketch of Fernando, determined to find answers. They even marched in the Chicago Pride Parade with the sketch, using every opportunity to raise awareness about their son’s murder. However, despite these efforts, leads dwindled, and the case began to stall. In 2005, both of Kevin’s parents passed away within a week of each other, adding another layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking story.

The 2020 Facebook Message

For years, Kevin’s brother, Ron Clewer, carried on his parents’ mission, creating a Facebook page to keep the investigation alive and republishing Fernando’s sketch to reach a wider audience. In 2020, Ron received a message that would bring renewed hope to the case. The message came from someone who claimed to have known Fernando, providing specific details that piqued the interest of Chicago Police detectives.

After reviewing the lead, detectives believed it to be credible and pursued it as a significant development in the investigation. By January 2021, authorities had identified the man known as Fernando and confirmed that he was still alive. The individual, whose real name has not been disclosed, was found to have left Chicago shortly after Kevin’s murder and reportedly fled to Puerto Rico. Despite leaving the city, authorities discovered that he had returned to Chicago multiple times over the years, raising suspicions about his ties to the area.

Police Appeal for Additional Evidence

While identifying Fernando marked a significant step forward, securing a conviction requires more than just an identification. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office emphasized the need for additional evidence and witnesses to build a prosecutable case. In a video released in 2022, Chicago Police urged anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward. Lt. William Svilar, a homicide detective with the Chicago Police Department, explained that Fernando had a record of nonviolent offenses, such as theft and prostitution, but no known history of violent crime prior to Kevin’s murder.

Detectives suspect that Fernando may have targeted intoxicated men in bars, potentially robbing them after they passed out. This behavior, while nonviolent, points to a pattern that could help establish a profile for investigators. They also speculate that those who know Fernando may not realize the significance of what they know or may be shocked to learn he’s connected to Kevin’s brutal murder.

Remembering Kevin Clewer

Kevin’s murder had a profound impact on Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, especially for those who were in Boystown during 2004. Kevin’s friend, Richard Streetman, who knew him personally, shared that the crime resonates with many LGBTQ+ residents who feel a personal connection to the case. “It could’ve been any one of us,” Streetman reflected, highlighting the vulnerability that Kevin’s murder underscored within the community.

To this day, community members and activists continue to honor Kevin’s memory by raising awareness about his case. His story reminds people of the importance of seeking justice, not only for Kevin but for all victims of violence in vulnerable communities. Streetman and others encourage anyone who may have information to come forward, no matter how minor or insignificant it may seem, as it could be the missing piece detectives need to solve the case.

The Call for Justice

For Kevin’s family and friends, finding his killer is about more than closure; it’s about accountability and ensuring no one else suffers the same fate. Although the identification of Fernando offers hope, Kevin’s brother Ron remains cautious, aware of the challenges involved in securing charges after so many years. He continues to advocate for justice, driven by a promise to his parents to never stop seeking answers.

The Chicago Police Department remains committed to solving the case, appealing to the public for any information that could strengthen the investigation. Police Supt. David Brown urges anyone with information to call the homicide tip line anonymously at (833) 408-0069 or submit a tip online at CPDTIP.com.

Conclusion

Twenty years after his murder, Kevin Clewer’s story continues to reverberate through Chicago’s Northalsted community and beyond. His death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against violence, particularly in marginalized communities, and the resilience of those who refuse to give up in the face of tragedy. Kevin’s memory lives on, as his family, friends, and supporters remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Through their collective determination, there is hope that one day, justice will be served, honoring the life of a beloved son, brother, and friend taken far too soon.