9-year-old killed, both parents wounded in mass shooting at a family gathering
A child was killed, and at least 10 others were injured, including a 1-year-old and an 8-year-old, during a shooting at a family gathering in Chicago, according to police.
No suspects have been arrested in the mass shooting that took place on the city's South Side. Police are seeking the public's help in identifying those responsible for the violence.
Deputy Chief Don Jerome stated during a news conference that the shooting was likely gang-related and emphasized that it was not a random act of violence. He mentioned that three innocent children were among those injured, with one of them tragically losing their life.
The victim who lost her life was identified as 9-year-old Ariana Molina, who was shot in the head. She was taken to Comer Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Ariana's father, Jose Molina, shared with ABC News that the shooting also left him and his wife with bullet wounds. His wife remains hospitalized with a back wound, while he suffered wounds to his feet.
The shooting occurred during a large family gathering in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Witnesses reported that a black sedan arrived at around 9:18 p.m. and opened fire on the crowd without warning.
Police indicated that there were likely two shooters involved in the incident. Deputy Chief Jerome condemned the offenders' actions as "horrific and unacceptable."
The police responded to the scene following a ShotSpotter alert that detected 18 gunshot rounds. Officers found multiple victims with gunshot wounds and began life-saving measures.
Three people, including the 1-year-old and 8-year-old boys, were in critical condition, with injuries to their abdomen. They were receiving treatment at Comer Children's Hospital. A 36-year-old man with two gunshot wounds to his back was also in critical condition at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The other victims ranged in age from 19 to 40, according to police reports.
Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman, representing the 16th Ward where the shooting occurred, described it as "a cowardly crime" and emphasized the community's unity in grief and prayers. She expressed determination to stand against such senseless acts of violence, highlighting that violence is a citywide issue that doesn't reflect the true essence of neighborhoods.
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