Kevin Watson: What you need to know about the man killed during Facebook live
Kevin Watson livestreamed moments before the fatal shooting. Photo: Kevin Watson/Facebook
A Chicago father of one, Kevin Watson, known affectionately as “Tugg”, lost his life in a chilling tragedy that unfolded live on Facebook. On August 13, 2025, viewers watched in stunned silence as the 42-year-old was shot in the chest mere seconds into his live stream. His final moments were broadcast to friends and family, amplifying the horror and grief in a story that’s already been viewed by millions.
Tragedy Captured Live: The Moments Before the Shooting
At approximately 6:14 p.m. on August 13, in a parking lot on the 5000 block of West Madison Street, Watson began a Facebook Live from his car near his cousin’s workplace. What started as a casual rant about a parking dispute turned harrowing when another vehicle pulled up. Seconds after Watson exited his car, raising his hands and uttering “What’s up bro?”, a gunshot rang out. Viewers witnessed him collapse in full view, with loved ones captured in real time.
Who Was Kevin “Tugg” Watson?
Watson, 42, was a resident of South Austin and a devoted father to a six-year-old son, he was weeks away from celebrating his birthday. Known in his community as “Tugg,” he wore a prominent chain bearing his name during the stream. A close cousin remembered, “He was a good man. No matter what he done, he helped people.”
The Fatal Encounter: What Witnesses Described
Friends and family horrifically watched Watson struggle after being shot. One friend, Lamar Spencer, shared, “I rubbed his palm… he wouldn’t squeeze back.” His cousin Jacquez Smith added, “He was choking for breath… trying to struggle to breathe.” Witness Alvin Jackson revealed the shooter may have been someone Watson knew. According to Jackson, Watson attempted to wrestle the gun away before it went off.
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Community Shock & Ongoing Investigation
Watson was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after. The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed his identity. Despite the viral spread of the footage, amassing over two million views, no arrests have been made and the motive remains unknown. Chicago has recorded more than 200 gun-related deaths so far in 2025, though this marks a slight decrease from the same period last year.
The Wider Impact: Livestreamed Crime and Public Outcry
The horrifying footage sparked global outrage and discussion about the dangers of livestreaming traumatic events. Watson’s death joins a growing, tragic list of crimes unfolding live online, a phenomenon that distorts grief and justice into viral spectacle.
Kevin Watson’s death is not just another statistic, it’s a devastating reminder of the fragility of life in the digital age. Broadcast for all to see, his final moments were intertwined with grief, shock, and unanswered questions. As Chicagoans and viewers around the world grapple with the footage, families within the community mourn a father, and law enforcement remains under pressure to bring answers, and justice, for Kevin “Tugg” Watson.
