Xander Kazanowski, 25, of Chicago and former South Barrington resident, was found critically injured in the 3900 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago on March 24 after being beaten and died days later with his death being ruled a homicide. | Photo: Ever Loved
A 25-year-old Barrington High School graduate, who was a father of one and expecting a second child, was found critically injured and later died in a homicide in Chicago as police search for the suspects.
The Chicago Police Department said they responded around 3:20 a.m. on March 24 to the 3900 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago for an injured person.
Officers arrived and found a male victim in his 20s unresponsive on the ground, police officials said.
The man was suffering from injuries to his head. Paramedics transported him to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as Xander Kazanowski, 25, of Chicago.
Kazanowski died at the hospital on March 28. The medical examiner’s office ruled his manner of death to be a homicide.
The medical examiner’s office said Kazanowski’s cause of death was blunt head trauma from an assault.
CPD Area Five detectives were called to investigate. Police on Tuesday released video of four persons of interest in the case — a female and three males.
Cook County Crime Stoppers said his injuries were consistent with being fatally beaten and detectives are actively asking for the public’s help.
Four persons of interest are being sought after Xander Kazanowski, 25, of Chicago and former South Barrington resident, was found critically injured in the 3900 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago on March 24 after being beaten and died days later, with his death being ruled a homicide. | Screengrab / CPD
Kazanowski was the father of a daughter and was expecting a son soon.
He grew up in South Barrington, was a graduate of Barrington High School and later moved to Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.
“He was loaded with many entrepreneurial ideas, and the energy required to chase them. He brought confidence, authenticity, and fresh energy to everything he touched. He loved nature, the outdoors and all creatures big and small, including his dog Zeus,” his friends said in a statement.
“Xander lived boldly with ambition and individuality, inspiring everyone around him. He was a devoted son, brother, father, partner and friend,” they said.
A GoFundMe account has raised almost $9,000 with a $24,000 goal with the proceeds to be given to his children.
An obituary for Kazanowski said he also leaves behind his parents, two siblings and his partner, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
“Xander lived life at full speed and with a rare intensity. While his time with us was cut far too short, he lived more in his twenty-five years than many do in a lifetime,” his obituary said.
Kazanowski was an “accomplished” wrestler in middle school and high school. “His childhood was centered around his devoted family, lifelong neighborhood friends, a myriad of athletic endeavors, and an endless supply of adventurous pursuits.”
Xander Kazanowski, 25, of Chicago and former South Barrington resident, was found critically injured in the 3900 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago on March 24 after being beaten and died days later with his death being ruled a homicide. | Photo: Ever Loved
“As an avid natural wildlife enthusiast, he also spent much of his youth exploring the outdoors—a passion that he carried with him throughout his life. Whether traveling the world with his family, competing on the wrestling mat, or finding a new animal for his growing collection of pets, Xander always knew how to keep things interesting,” the obituary said.
Kazanowski was known for standing firmly for his beliefs “regardless of popularity” and was voted “most opinionated” by his high school peers, his family said.
He co-owned a store called Boho Barbie Ken, which has since closed, that was the subject of protests in 2023, with protesters calling him “transphobic.”
Kazanowski also founded a company called Wurk Services at age 19.
“This era of Xander’s life was defined by a million ideas and the boundless energy required to chase them. He was a man who carved his own path through sheer hustle, doing anything and everything—from landscaping to tutoring—to bring his visions to life. Yet, this relentless ambition was balanced by a vibrant, creative soul,” his obituary added.
The family said his final act was a “perfect expression of his generous heart” by donating his organs upon his death, helping save other lives.
A memorial service is set to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington.
Anyone who witnessed the incident 0r has information that could assist in identifying the offenders is asked to come forward. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers’ tip line at 800-535-7867 or online at CPDTIP.com.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the indictment or arrest of the person(s) responsible.