Shooting Kills a Child

Tragic Events Unfold: Mass Shooting Strikes Chicago Neighborhood

In Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, tragedy struck on Saturday, April 13, resulting in the loss of a child’s life and injuries to 10 others, including three children, according to police reports. The shooting took place around 9:20 p.m. by West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue, interrupting a family celebration, while some of the adults were either inside or on the porch, the children played outside when the gunfire broke out.

According to police, during the gathering a witness seen a black sedan drive up. Then, someone inside the sedan fired multiple shots before swiftly driving away from the scene.  Officers swiftly arrived at the scene to discover 11 people shot, four of whom were children. The officers then proceeded to administer life-saving aid including the use of tourniquets and chest seals, according to Deputy Chief Don Jerome.

The Victim’s Injuries: Analyzing the Effects of the Incident

The shooting left one child dead and injured 10 other people. Mostly all of the victims were family members. The ages of the victims ranged from 1 to 40 years old. The adult victims were five women aged 19, 26, 30, 36, and 40 and two men aged 36 and 38. In addition to this, three young children were also injured, aged 1, 8, and including 9-year-old Ariana Molina who was fatally shot in her head.

During the shooting Ariana’s father, Jose Molina and his wife, was also shot. Others that were shot:

• An 1-year-old boy suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
• An 8-year-old boy sustained two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and was also reported to be in critical condition.
• A 9-year-old boy sustained a graze wound to his left pinky finger and was taken to the hospital in good condition.
• A 19-year-old woman was shot in her left leg and was said to be in good condition.
• A 27-year-old woman received a gunshot wound to her right thigh and was reported to be in good condition.
• A 30-year-old woman was shot in the left forearm and was reported to be in good condition.
• A 36-year-old man sustained gunshot wounds to his right bicep, triceps, and the left side of his back, deemed critical by police.
• A 40-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to her right leg and was listed in good condition.

Do Police Have Any Leads On Who Might Be Responsible?

As of Monday evening, Chicago authorities had not yet named any possible suspects. But they are actively investigating for clues to determine who is responsible for the shooting. Hence, no one is not in custody yet, but based on interviews with witnesses, police indicate that they might be looking for more than one shooter.

While community members participated in a march, detectives were seen collecting evidence in the area and talking to residents. During a briefing in the hours after the shooting, police asserted that they thought the shooting was linked to gangs. On the other hand, Ariana’s relatives contested their beliefs. In fact, her father Jose Molina stated, “They come on the news saying we are gang related.” “Why would they say that on the news?” We are not even related to no gangs.” In addition, he also added that “She had nothing to with nothing of that. None of us are gang bangers. We don’t gang bang. We’ve been here 30 years. We don’t do none of that.”

Shooting Death of Ariana Sparks an Outcry

Following the Saturday shooting that killed a child, the family of the victims are still in the process of coping with their unimaginable loss, their own injuries, and the ongoing care needed for those still hospitalized. The weight of the incident is almost too much to bear. However, on Monday, the community united in solidarity, declaring, “We stand with you.”

On Monday afternoon, the Back of the Yards neighborhood seen a crowd of people voice their opposition to the gun violence that took the life of Adriana Molina. In hopes of an incident, this tragic happening occurred again.

Written by Jaliyah Triplett

Sources:

ABC 7: Vigil held after Back of the Yards mass shooting kills 9-year-old girl, wounds 10 others by Christian Piekos, Michelle Gallardo, Maher Kawash, Tre Ward, and ABC7 Chicago Digital Team 

CBS News: Mass shooting in Chicago leaves girl dead, 10 other people injured in Back of the Yards by Beth Lawrence, Shardaa Gray, Asal Rezaei

NBC Chicago: Back of the Yards mass shooting: Here’s what we know about the victim, suspect search and more by NBC Chicago Staff

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