By The newspaper
04 Jul 2024, 22:43 PM EDT
The Chicago Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred early July 4 in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, where two women and a child were killed. Two other children are in a hospital in critical condition.
The shooting occurred about 6:15 a.m. when two vehicles pulled up and several people got out and began shooting at the residence, police said. A 45-year-old woman and a 24-year-old woman were killed, Deputy Chief Don Jerome said. Three children, ages 8, 7 and 5, were taken in critical condition to Comer Children’s Hospital.
The 8-year-old boy died in hospital
Police identified the two victims as Neekshia Strong, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and her niece, Capri Edwards, who was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she died a short time later. The 8-year-old boy also died at the clinic from his injuries.
“Two vehicles stopped in the area. Several subjects got out and fired shots at this residence,” Don Jerome told the media at a press conference. “Several shell casings from a rifle and a handgun were recovered at the scene.”
The spokesman also said preliminary information they have about the investigation indicated the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute. All of the victims appeared to be indoors when they were shot.
“The pain that violence causes to our communities”
“Personal conflicts and guns have become a bad mix,” 5th Ward Councilman Desmon Yancy said during the conference.
“Summer is just beginning and I don’t want to stand in front of a bunch of microphones and have another discussion about the pain that [la violencia] is causing our communities,” he said.
Chicago Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood asked anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and share it with police.
“This senseless violence has to end,” Gatewood told reporters. “It’s important that we not only hold these individuals accountable, but that we help this community heal.”
“Our condolences to the families,” said the mayor.
For his part, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement giving his opinion on the shooting on Thursday night:
“On behalf of the City of Chicago, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and community of Grand Crossing who are mourning the lives lost in the shooting that took place this morning.
“We will continue to coordinate with our partners at the Chicago Police Department, Ward 5 Alderman Desmon Yancy, and victim services partners to support this community in healing from this tragic incident,” Johnson concluded.
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