A tragic scene unfolded in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood Saturday evening as a family gathering turned into a nightmare of violence, resulting in the death of a 7-year-old girl and leaving seven others injured, including children and adults.
Chicago Police Deputy Chief Don Jerome disclosed that officers rushed to the scene following an alert from the shot spotter system, indicating 18 rounds fired in the 2000 block of 52nd Street, west of Damen Avenue, around 9:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered multiple individuals shot on the block.
Life-saving measures, including the application of tourniquets and chest seals, were immediately implemented, according to Jerome. The victims, comprising three children and five adults, sustained varying degrees of injuries, with a 7-year-old girl tragically succumbing to a gunshot wound to the head. Additionally, a 1-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy were critically injured, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The adult victims, aged between 19 and 40, were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals by the Chicago Fire Department. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.
Deputy Chief Jerome emphasized that the shooting was not a random act of violence but was likely gang-related. Despite the potential motives behind the incident, he condemned the tragic outcome that befell innocent children.
Witnesses on the scene reported to police that they believed there were two shooters, both on foot, though no suspects have been apprehended at this time. Chicago Police urge anyone with information regarding the shooting or the suspects to contact CPD’s Area One detectives or their local police department.
Chicago family gathering turns deadly after gunfire erupts; child killed, 7 others wounded https://t.co/W95WEu5NIe
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