Nakeeshia Strong : “Chicago Fourth of July Mass Shootings: 3 Dead, 16 Injured”

11 people dead and 55 wounded in Chicago Fourth of July shootings

CHICAGO — Tragedy struck the city of Chicago over the Fourth of July holiday weekend as at least 11 people lost their lives and 55 others were wounded in a series of shootings, according to police reports.

The most devastating incident occurred in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, where two women and an 8-year-old boy were killed in a single shooting. This was one of three mass shootings that took place between Thursday and early Friday, leaving a community in shock and mourning.

Authorities were alerted to the scene in the 7100 block of South Woodlawn by a ShotSpotter detection alert, where they discovered five family members shot—two women and three boys. Tragically, a 45-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 24-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at the University of Chicago Hospital.

The victims were identified as Nakeeshia Strong, 45, and Caprice Edwards, 24—both mothers who tragically lost their lives in the senseless violence. Edwards reportedly shielded her 1-year-old child from the gunfire before she was fatally shot.

The three boys, aged 5 and two 8-year-olds, were rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital. Sadly, one of the 8-year-olds passed away later that night, while the other two remain in critical condition.

The young boy who lost his life was identified as Bryson Orr, leaving his family and community devastated by the senseless act of violence.

Police and family members believe that multiple shooters were involved in the incident, which may have stemmed from a personal dispute. The shooters fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartache.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, promising to support the community in their healing process.

Unfortunately, the violence did not end there. In the early hours of Friday morning, two more mass shootings occurred in different parts of the city, leaving more victims in their wake.

On West Hastings Street in Little Italy, eight people were wounded after a shootout between two individuals. The suspects fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of injured victims, including a 74-year-old woman and several others with gunshot wounds.

In another incident on South Menard Avenue in Austin, six people were wounded in a similar exchange of gunfire. Among the victims were a 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old woman, both of whom were transported to Stroger Hospital for treatment.

As of now, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the mass shootings, and the police are actively investigating the incidents.

These tragic events mark a grim statistic for Chicago, with last year seeing a similar surge in violence over the Fourth of July weekend. The city continues to grapple with gun violence, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time, as we hope for justice and peace to prevail in the wake of these senseless acts of violence.