Tragic Shooting at Chicago Family Gathering Claims Child's Life, Leaves 10 Injured, Including Infants

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Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman labeled the shooting a "cowardly crime," expressing solidarity with the Back of the Yards community and condemning violence as a misrepresentation of neighborhood character.

A shooting incident at a family gathering in Chicago resulted in the tragic death of a child and injuries to at least 10 others, including a 1-year-old and an 8-year-old, as reported by the police. No suspects have been apprehended yet, and authorities are seeking assistance from the public in identifying those responsible for the violence.

Deputy Chief Don Jerome indicated that the shooting is believed to be gang-related.

During a news conference on Saturday night, Deputy Chief Don Jerome emphasized, "This was not a random act of violence." He underscored the tragedy of the situation, noting that despite the motivation behind the incident, three innocent children were injured, with one tragically losing her life.

The victim who lost her life was identified by her father as 9-year-old Ariana Molina. Police reported that she was shot in the head and was taken to Comer Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Ariana's father, Jose Molina, informed ABC News that the shooting also inflicted bullet wounds on him and his wife. He revealed that his wife is currently hospitalized with a bullet wound to the back, while he sustained wounds to his feet.

Describing his daughter, he expressed, "She was wonderful and helpful, and was everything to him."

The shooting occurred during a large family outdoor gathering in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, according to the police. Witnesses recounted to the police that around 9:18 p.m., a black sedan pulled up to the event, and occupants opened fire on the crowd without warning.

Police indicated that there were likely two shooters responsible for the carnage.

"The offenders' actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city," Jerome said.

According to the police, officers responded to the scene after a ShotSpotter alert detected 18 gunshot rounds at the location.

Upon arrival, officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately began performing life-saving measures, authorities said.

At least three people, including the 1-year-old and 8-year-old boys, were in critical condition, according to police. Both children sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen and were receiving treatment at Comer Children's Hospital on Sunday.

Additionally, a 36-year-old man who suffered two gunshot wounds to the back was reported to be in critical condition on Sunday at the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.

The remaining victims, whose ages ranged from 19 to 40, were also injured in the shooting, as per police reports.

In a statement released on Sunday, Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman, representing the 16th Ward where the shooting occurred, denounced the incident as "a cowardly crime."

Coleman expressed the solidarity of the Back of the Yards community in mourning and praying for the victims, emphasizing the community's determination to resist such senseless violence.

She further addressed violence as a broader issue affecting the entire city, lamenting how it distorts the true spirit and character of neighborhoods. Coleman concluded by noting the profound sorrow and distress felt by all in the wake of this tragedy.