9-year-old girl killed, 10 others injured in Back of the Yards shooting; was a family gathering for a confirmation
CHICAGO — A memorial of balloons, flowers and candles is growing at a home on the city’s Southwest Side where a 9-year-old girl, described by family as loving and caring, was killed Saturday night when gunfire erupted on a family celebrating a confirmation.
The shooting also injured 10 other people, including three children.
The girl, identified by family as 9-year-old Ariana Molina, was shot in the head and rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital. She was pronounced dead a short time later, police said.
Ariana’s mother was shot in the back of the shoulder and her father in the foot.
The family is holding a prayer march for peace at noon Monday and a vigil in remembrance of Ariana at 6 p.m. Monday, both at the scene of the shooting.
Chicago police say officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 2000 block of West 52nd Street, in Back of the Yards, just after 9:15 p.m. Saturday. After arriving on the scene, they located several people who had suffered gunshot wounds.
Police say ShotSpotter picked up 18 rounds fired at the location. The victims were outside at a family gathering, according to police.
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The family said it was celebrating a teenage girl’s confirmation. One relative, who did not wish to be identified, told WGN News the family was about to cut the cake when gunfire erupted.
According to police, three children in addition to Ariana — a 1-year-old boy, an 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy — were shot and transported to Comer Children’s Hospital. The 1-year-old and 8-year-old were listed in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds. The 9-year-old was listed in good condition after being grazed in the finger.
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“All I can say at this point is, I’m going to pray, you pray, and God help us,” Pastor Donovan Price said.
Police say seven other people, whose ages range from 19 to 38, were injured in the shooting. One was listed in critical condition and the other six were listed in good condition.
Ald. Stephanie Coleman of the 16th Ward, where the shooting occurred, issued a statement Sunday morning.
“The Back of the Yards community is united in our grief, prayers and collective mindset that we must continue to stand firm against these senseless acts of physical force,” Coleman’s statement said.
“Violence is a citywide issue that continues to falsely characterize the true essence and intrinsic nature of our neighborhoods. This tragedy has left us all heartbroken and distressed. I am hopeful and confident that Superintendent (Larry) Snelling and the Chicago Police Department will work tirelessly to apprehend the person or persons responsible for this cowardly crime.
“I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the family of this precious jewel and my prayers to every person injured.”
Walter Butts is the pastor of Mt. Carmel Children of God Baptist Church, located just steps away from where the shooting happened.
“Heartless people who don’t think,” Butts said of the shooters. “These are children.”
‘Unacceptable in our city’
Officers say the shooting was likely not a random act and believe it may have been a gang-related incident. Nobody is in custody, but after interviewing witnesses, police say they may be looking for multiple shooters.
“The offenders’ actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city,” CPD Deputy Chief Don Jerome said in a news conference Saturday night.
Some witnesses told police two shooters walked up and sprayed bullets into a crowd of people. Sunday morning, police reported that the shots may have come from a black sedan, which then fled to the south.
On Sunday, Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement condemning the violence.
We are all allowed to be outraged today — a warm spring day that I am sure this child would have been enjoying with family. I am praying for her loved ones and her community as they experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child.
I am also praying for the recovery of the three children and seven adults who were injured in this horrific shooting. Our Mayor’s Office of Community Safety has been in contact with the Chicago Police Department, which is committed to identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Johnson also outlined the following initial response plan:
Mass canvassing event at 52nd and Damen and surrounding blocks on Monday, April 15, at 2 p.m., with the purpose of providing the community access to behavioral teams, victim services and case management.
Financial support for the family of the child who passed away via the Emergency Supplemental Victim’s Fund program.
Emergency Services Assistance Center, starting Sunday, April 14.
Victim services to other victims and families.
Increased 9th District CPD presence at impacted schools.
An investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started by family members of the victims to help alleviate their financial burdens.
Watch part of Saturday’s CPD news conference below:
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Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380, or dial 911.
Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.
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