Chicago police believe gang-related violence led to the fatal shooting of an 8-year-old girl which left 10 others injured Saturday night in the city’s South Side.
According to police, the shooting took place near 52nd St and South Damen Ave at approximately 9:18 p.m. An 8-year-old girl was killed from a gunshot wound to the head, while two boys -- a 1 and 7-year-old, were critically injured after being shot multiple times.
Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief, Don Jerome, said police would aid in recovery efforts of the other eight victims, ranging anywhere between 19 and 40, by applying tourniquets and chest seals.
The victims were reportedly standing outside at a family gathering. A statement released by the Chicago Police Department said a witness saw a black sedan approach the scene, when the shots rang out into the crowd. All victims were escorted to local hospitals around the area by the Chicago Fire Department.
“This was not a random act of violence. It was likely gang-related,” Jerome said. “Regardless of the motivation for this incident, three innocent children were struck tonight and one of them tragically succumbed to her wounds. The offenders’ actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city.”
Detectives are still investigating the incident and no arrests have been made.
