A shooting in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood on Saturday evening killed one child and injured ten others, including three additional children, according to authorities.
Chicago police said the incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. near West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue. The victims were attending a family gathering when the incident occurred.
Officers went to a ShotSpotter report of 18 shots fired and discovered many people shot on the block, officials said. Officers then started delivering life-saving care, such as tourniquets and chest seals, according to Chicago Police Area One Deputy Chief Don Jerome.
Police and her family named Ariana Molina, a 9-year-old girl who was shot in the head and died.
Both a one-year-old child and an eight-year-old boy sustained multiple gunshot wounds on Saturday night, leaving them in critical condition. A 9-year-old youngster had a graze cut on his left pinky finger but was in good condition. According to officials, the adult victims were between the ages of 19 and 40.
Ariana’s father, Jose Molina, stated that all 11 people shot were family members celebrating his sister’s confirmation. The gunman shot Ariana in the head while she was in the front yard. Ariana’s mother sustained a back wound.
Ariana’s mother is unaware she has died.
“I know she’ll go nuts. “She loves her,” Jose stated. “I don’t even know what to tell her.”
Jose received two shots to the stomach. Jose was shot in the foot.
“I sustained a gunshot wound to my leg and feet, yet I remain unharmed.” “It just came in and out,” he explained. “I’m not concerned about my leg. “My daughter was too young for this.”
Police say a witness saw a black vehicle drive up during the gathering. Someone inside fired several shots before driving away.
“I saw my daughter on the floor with a bullet hole in her skull. “I tried to help her, but it was too late,” Jose explained.
Jose said they’ve lived in the neighborhood for 30 years and have never had any problems.
“She had nothing to do with any of that. None of us are gangsters. We don’t go gang-banging. We’ve been here for 30 years. We don’t do any of it.
He stated that he was praying for justice soon.
“Why would they do that to young children? They have a great life. “Why would they do that to them?” he inquired.
Jose informed CBS 2 that they were in the process of leaving the neighborhood due to recent gunshots.
“This was not an arbitrary act of violence. “It was probably gang-related,” Jerome explained. “The offenders’ actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city.”
According to a source, the children were playing outdoors when the incident occurred. Some adults were present, either inside or on the porch.
Donovan Price, a street priest, expressed the family’s devastation.
“I believe part of Chicago has perished. Parts of Chicago, such as the mothers and families I met when I initially arrived tonight, should be shouting, fleeing, and wailing. “We all should,” he stated.
According to the authorities, some witnesses reported seeing two shooters on foot.
Nobody was in custody on Sunday morning. The cops in Area One were investigating.
On Sunday afternoon, Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement describing the shooting as a “heinous and cowardly act of wanton violence”:
Today, we mourn the loss of an 8-year-old girl whose life was tragically taken from her by gang violence. This heinous and cowardly act of wanton violence that leaves our city mourning children is beyond reprehensible and has no place in our communities.
We are all allowed to be outraged today – a warm, spring day that I am sure this child would have been enjoying with family. I am praying for her loved ones and her community as they experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child.
I am also praying for the recovery of the three children and seven adults who were injured in this horrific shooting. Our Mayor’s Office of Community Safety has been in contact with the Chicago Police Department, which is committed to identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible.
The Community Safety Coordination Center has developed an initial response plan, which, among other resources, will consist of:
- A mass canvassing event at 52nd and Damen and surrounding blocks on Monday, April 15, at 2 p.m. with the purpose of providing the community access to behavioral teams, victim services and case management
- Financial support for the family of the child who passed away via the Emergency Supplemental Victim’s Fund program
- Emergency Services Assistance Center, starting today, April 14
- Victim services to other victims and families
- Increased 9th District CPD presence at impacted schools
As the CPD and our partners work through their investigation, the Back of the Yards community has the full support of our administration as they process and heal from this trauma.
