Wake held for retired CPD officer gunned down in West Garfield Park

Larry Neuman, 73,
Larry Neuman, 73, was shot and killed on June 20 in West Garfield Park. Neuman was the longest-serving explosives technician with the Chicago Police Bomb Squad and was described as "a very wonderful human being." Photo credit Chicago Police Department

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A wake was held for a retired Chicago Police officer, the same day a second person was charged with his murder.

Mourners gathered at St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, where 73-year-old Larry Neuman was a member and pastor for many years.

Neuman was the longest serving explosives technician with the Chicago Police Department at the time of his retirement. A CPD bomb squad truck sat outside of the church during his visitation.

“Larry was just the most loving, personable guy.… That picture that they using, that was him. It was always a smile helping everybody, always, the community,” said Jodie, who worked with Neuman for TSA at Midway Airport.

Friends, family and uniformed members of the Chicago Police and Fire departments entered the church to news about a second arrest in connection with Neuman's death.

“Thank God. Thank God. Glad they caught him,” one mourner said.

Police announced that a 17-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder.

The news comes four days after the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against a 16-year-old Lazarius Watt.

Neuman's funeral will take place at St. Michael on Saturday.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Chicago Police Department