A celebratory night ended in tragedy when a gunman opened fire on a crowd in Auburn Gresham.
Kayla Winfrey was celebrating her 25th birthday with dozens of loved ones late Saturday night.
The gathering took place at a home in the 8000 block of South Morgan Street.
Around 11:45 p.m., the celebration turned into a scene of chaos and violence.
According to police reports, a fight broke out between two groups of women during the party.
The physical altercation eventually moved out onto the front porch of the residence.
One person involved in the fight allegedly called for backup.
A shooter soon arrived at the scene in a silver sedan.
The gunman opened fire on the porch, striking two people.
Kayla Winfrey was hit multiple times in the body.
Paramedics rushed her to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Doctors pronounced her dead at 12:21 a.m. Sunday morning.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed her death was a homicide caused by a gunshot to the chest.
A 36-year-old man from Matteson was also shot in the abdomen and leg.
He was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center and is listed in fair condition.
Neighbors were startled awake by the sound of at least 10 gunshots ringing out across the street.
One neighbor saw paramedics performing chest compressions on Winfrey as she lay on a stretcher.
The shooter is described as a 26-year-old from the Washington Heights neighborhood.
The suspect fled the scene in a silver car and remains at large.
Winfrey is remembered by those who knew her as a “real sweet girl” and a wonderful neighbor.
Recent History
The Auburn Gresham neighborhood has faced a challenging wave of violence in recent months.
The 8000 block of South Morgan Street is typically a residential area filled with long-term neighbors.
However, community members say the sound of gunfire has become a frequent and frightening occurrence.
The Gresham (6th) Police District has seen several high-profile shootings over the last year, often involving disputes that escalate quickly.
Longtime residents are now expressing deep fear that even private celebrations are no longer safe.
Some families who moved back to the neighborhood from the suburbs are now reconsidering their future in the city.
The loss of a young life during a milestone birthday has sparked a renewed call for increased patrols in the area.
