Chicago police believe gang-related violence led to the shooting death of an 8-year-old girl and injured 10 others on the city's South Side Saturday night.
Police said the shooting occurred around 9:18 p.m. near 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue, where an 8-year-old girl died from a gunshot wound to the head and two boys, ages 1 and 7, were killed. died. The 2-year-old boy was shot multiple times and suffered serious injuries.
Chicago Police Deputy Chief Don Jerome said police assisted in responding to eight other victims, ranging in age from 19 to 40, including applying tourniquets and chest seals.
The victims were reportedly standing outside at a family gathering. A statement from the Chicago Police Department said witnesses saw a black sedan approaching the scene as gunshots rang out into the crowd. All victims were transported to area local hospitals by the Chicago Fire Department.
“This was not a random act of violence. It was probably gang-related,” Jerome said. “Regardless of the motive behind this incident, tonight three innocent children were beaten, one of whom tragically succumbed to his injuries. It’s horrifying and unacceptable in our city.”
Area 1 detectives are still investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made.