CHICAGO — A mass shooting outside a restaurant in River North on Wednesday night left four people dead and several others injured, casting a pall over a celebratory event hosted by local rapper Mello Buckzz. The violence erupted just after 11 p.m. outside the Artis Restaurant and Lounge, where a crowd had gathered for a mixtape release party.
Eighteen individuals were shot during the incident, which police believe involved multiple assailants firing from a dark-colored vehicle that drove past the scene. As families learned the fate of their loved ones at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Thursday, heartbreak was palpable.
Among the deceased is Taylor Walker, 26, a beloved hairstylist from the South Side, whose mother expressed profound grief over the loss. “My baby is 26 years old. She ain’t never been through no violence like this,” said Sharonda Booth, her voice trembling. Walker had been supporting friends at the event and was described as someone full of life and ambition.
Another victim, 27-year-old Aviance Drexler, also succumbed to her injuries after being treated at a nearby hospital. Drexler was known for her work in healthcare and had attended the launch party to celebrate with friends. Her uncle, Kelvin White, recounted the shock of seeing her just hours before. “She was all dressed up, smiling, happy, and now here we are in devastation,” he lamented.
The incident targeted a group of women enjoying an evening out, leading to concerns about community safety. Families of both Walker and Drexler revealed that other relatives were also injured during the shooting, highlighting the widespread impact of this incident on several households.
Police confirmed that two additional victims, Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, both from Chicago, also died as a result of their injuries sustained in the shooting. Williamson was the boyfriend of Mello Buckzz and was remembered as a devoted father, facing tragedy just weeks before his daughter’s third birthday. His family described him as a “smart, caring, loving father.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to identify potential suspects and the motive behind the attack. So far, no arrests have been made, and the community is left grappling with the consequences of this violence.
Three individuals remain in critical condition, while others are being treated for serious injuries. Hospital officials noted that the victims mostly ranged in age from their 20s to 30s, and many were women who had gathered for a night of celebration. The tragic events have reignited discussions about gun violence in Chicago and the need for community safety measures.
Local leaders have expressed their condolences and emphasized the importance of addressing gun-related violence, urging the public to support those affected by the shooting and to work collaboratively toward solutions.
As the community mourns, the lives cut short serve as a stark reminder of the ramifications of such unchecked violence and the pressing need for change.