Chicago’s famed “walking man” has died nearly seven months after authorities said an unprovoked attacker set him on fire in a horrifying example of a crime aimed at the homeless.
Joseph Kromelis, 75, died after being set on fire in May, said the local medical examiner’s office, the local news station ABC7 reported.
While sleeping in Chicago’s downtown area, Kromelis was doused with a flammable liquid and ignited. The attack was captured on security footage, the local news outlet Block Club Chicago reported.
First responders brought Kromelis to an area hospital in critical condition before he died from his injuries this week.
Officials had said the attack left Kromelis with a low chance of survival – he had been on fire for almost three minutes and suffered third-degree burns on more than 65% of his body, NBC Chicago reported.
After spending four months in the hospital, Kromelis was transferred to a rehab facility where he underwent additional treatment, including surgeries.
Joseph Guardia, 27, was later charged with aggravated arson and attempted murder in connection with the attack on Kromelis. Guardia admitted to prosecutors that he set the fire but claimed he meant to burn trash.
However, video footage captured Guardia standing over Kromelis for 16 seconds. Officials say that Kromelis’s head and legs were also visible.
Kromelis had been nicknamed “walking man” as he was often spotted in the city on foot.
Homeless people in other major cities have faced violence as well while living on the street.
In March, a man shot five homeless people while they were sleeping in New York City and Washington DC, killing two of them.
