Mass shooting in North Lawndale leaves 1 woman dead, 8 hurt
CHICAGO (CBS) – One woman was killed, and eight other people were injured following a mass shooting in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Sunday.
The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. in the 1500 block of South Keeler Avenue.
Chicago police said a group of people were at a gathering when a black Jeep approached, and multiple unknown offenders exited with guns and began shooting. Police initially said nine women were shot, but later said eight women and one 20-year-old man were shot in the incident.
As CBS 2's Asal Rezaei reported, at least 30 evidence markers were on the ground. There were also balloons and decorations from what appeared to be a luau-themed birthday celebration.
A 21-year-old woman, Kenasha Gaines, was shot in the face, taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, and later died.
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CBS 2's Shardaa Gray spoke with the young victim's mother, and she is all too familiar with the plague of gun violence.
Gaines' mother, Natasha Graham, said her daughter turned 21 in May. She said her daughter was a mother of a 3-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter who had her whole life ahead of her. She was also a home healthcare worker and a part-time stylist.
"I'm unbearably hurt," Graham said.
She says her daughter's smile lit up a room.
"Kenasha was a funny everything. She was so outgoing. She was the queen of the world. You couldn't tell her anything," she said.
Her last conversation with her daughter was about her moving back in with her mother.
"'I just want to let you know I'm coming home, but I'm grown now.' And I'm like, 'I understand that, Kenasha. I understand a little bit more freedom from when you were a teenager.' I ain't heard from her since," Graham said.
Graham says she's walked down this tragic path before. Her 18-year-old son, Keshaun Graham, died in 2019 due to gun violence.
"Talk to them about being out, hanging with these friends, going to these parties," she said. "The gun violence is completely out of control. Nobody even thinking because when you take one life, you take two. They take yours too."
She said that's why she kept a strong thumb on her daughters.
"I kid you not; my daughters can tell you I be hard on them," she said. "You can't walk to the store. They can't go to a store by themselves. They can't go to the park. I be so hard on them because I know the streets are so dangerous."
As police are in the early stages of their investigation, Graham is looking for justice.
"These children, not only my daughter, but every child that got shot, they deserve some type of justice," she said.
Graham says she's grateful for all the calls and extended condolences, but she asks for patience and prayers as they prepare for her daughter's funeral.
Seven other women and one man were shot at the same party. A 28-year-old woman was shot eight times in the torso and taken to Mt. Sinai in critical condition. At least seven other victims between 20 and 33 years old were also shot. Some were taken to Mt. Sinai, while some of them were taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in good condition.
No arrests were made.
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CPD released a statement in response to the shooting:
"Early this morning, the 10th District community experienced a tragic shooting that killed a 21-year-old woman and left eight additional victims injured. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the victim who was killed. We are also walking alongside those injured in this shooting and those who were present and witnessed this reprehensible act of violence.
Our Crime Victim Services Unit is currently reaching out to the survivors of this shooting and connecting them with resources as they begin to process the events of this morning. We will continue to support and advocate for them during this difficult time."
Meanwhile, Chicago Police on Monday opened a temporary victim service center to help the victims of the deadly mass shooting. The center is located inside the Deliverance Temple of Apostolic Faith Church, 1457 S. Komensky Ave.
Police said the center will address financial losses and help stress through therapy dogs, and victims can also talk to detectives to follow up on their cases.
"The hope is that building the relationship, and attending to what that victim needs first, that they will also be willing to work with us if we have questions and things that might evidentiary or value to a case," said Chicago Police Assistant Director of Crime Victim Services Aileen Robinson. "It's not necessary, and we make that clear."
The center opened at 1 p.m. and will close at 7 p.m. One woman used the services and was pleased with it.
But community activists say having a victim service center open for one day is not enough.
"It makes a big difference if it's going to be here and stay here," said community activist Andrew Holmes.
Holmes says more needs to be done.
"I like the effort. I like the support," Holmes said. "But if it's just for today, ain't gone work. The dog and pony show ain't gone work."
We asked the Police Department what happens if no one shows up at the victim service center, or if there isn't a big turnout. They hope victims will find assistance.
Area 4 Detectives are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to submit an anonymous tip through CPDTip.com or contact Area 4 Detectives at 312-746-8252.
