The quiet streets of Glenwood, Illinois, were shattered by tragedy in the early hours of Sunday, February 23, 2025, when a 31-year-old man lost his life in a violent confrontation outside a local bar. James Honey Jr., known affectionately in the community as “Liddle Balling,” was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill, a popular establishment in the south suburban village located along South Halsted Street. The incident, which unfolded around 1:30 a.m., has left residents reeling and authorities searching for answers as they piece together the events that led to this devastating outcome.

Glenwood police were quick to respond after receiving multiple reports of gunfire echoing through the night. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Honey suffering from a severe gunshot wound. Despite their immediate efforts to provide aid, the young man could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of Honey, a familiar face to many in the tight-knit community, has sparked an outpouring of grief and raised pressing questions about the circumstances that turned a night out into a fatal encounter.

According to the initial findings of the police investigation, the shooting stemmed from a heated dispute that erupted as Honey and his friends attempted to leave the bar. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in the parking lot, where the group became entangled in a confrontation with another party. What began as an exchange of words quickly escalated into violence, culminating in the single gunshot that claimed Honey’s life.

Investigators have yet to release details about the nature of the disagreement or the identity of the shooter, leaving the community on edge as they await further developments.
The Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill, situated in the 18000 block of South Halsted Street, is known as a lively gathering spot for locals, offering a mix of cold drinks, warm company, and occasional live entertainment. For many in Glenwood, a village of just under 9,000 residents located roughly 25 miles south of Chicago, the bar represents a slice of small-town life—a place where people come together to unwind and connect. But in the aftermath of this tragedy, its parking lot has become a somber reminder of how quickly peace can unravel.

Authorities have remained tight-lipped about suspects, though they have indicated that the investigation is progressing with urgency. Detectives spent the early morning hours canvassing the area, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the altercation. The parking lot, cordoned off with yellow police tape, stood silent as the sun rose, a stark contrast to the chaos that unfolded just hours before. Police have assured the public that they are working diligently to identify those responsible and bring justice to Honey’s family.

James Honey Jr.’s death marks a sobering moment for Glenwood, a community that prides itself on its quiet charm and neighborly spirit. Friends and loved ones have begun to share memories of the man they called “Liddle Balling,” painting a picture of someone who brought energy and warmth to those around him. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in, with many expressing disbelief that a night out could end in such heartbreak. The incident has also reignited conversations about safety in public spaces, a concern that resonates far beyond the village’s borders.

For now, the investigation remains ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The loss of Honey has cast a shadow over Glenwood, but it has also united residents in their resolve to seek answers and support one another. As the community mourns, the hope is that clarity will emerge from this tragedy, offering closure to a family and a town forever changed by a single, irreversible moment.