Crime
16-Year-Old Girl Found Beaten to Death in Chicago Horan Park Identified as Kayla Aaliyah Joyce Love
CHICAGO, IL – Authorities have identified the teenage girl found brutally beaten to death at a West Side park as 16-year-old Kayla Aaliyah Joyce Love, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
On March 17, 2025, Chicago Police responded to Horan Park, located at Van Buren and Whipple, after receiving reports of an unconscious female.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the teen lying face down, barefoot, and unresponsive.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but she was tragically pronounced dead on arrival (DOA).
A preliminary autopsy revealed that Kayla had suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries to her head and neck, as well as stab wounds to her face.
According to police, Kayla was reported missing on March 16, 2025, after last being seen around 6:00 p.m. at a McDonald’s restaurant near Roosevelt and Kedzie with friends.
Employees at the establishment reportedly asked the group to leave around 8:00 p.m. due to disruptive behavior.
Authorities are investigating reports that a female was seen being assaulted by a male at Horan Park on the same night Kayla was reported missing.
It remains unclear whether this incident is connected to her death.
No suspects are currently in custody, and Area 4 Detectives are leading the homicide investigation.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously at CPDTIP.COM or by contacting the Chicago Police Department’s 11th District at (312) 746-8386.
Kayla, a junior at Manley High School, is the second Chicago Public Schools (CPS) student found deceased on the same day.
Less than three miles away, officers discovered the body of a 13-year-old boy—also reported missing—with a gunshot wound to the head, behind an apartment building.
Authorities continue to investigate both deaths as the community mourns the tragic loss of two young lives.
GULFPORT, Miss. – A domestic dispute during a community Easter celebration in the Orange Grove area escalated into a deadly shooting on Saturday, April 12, leaving one man dead and at least two others injured, according to Gulfport authorities.
The incident unfolded during a family-oriented Easter gathering hosted by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center outside the Jack and Florence Goldin Sportsplex around 2:05 p.m.
Witnesses say a young woman had invited her child’s father to the event so he could see their baby. At some point during the gathering, tensions rose when the father attempted to take the child without consent.
Two church members, identified as part of the event’s security team, stepped in to de-escalate the situation after noticing the man was holding both the baby and a firearm.
Fearing for the safety of the children and other attendees, they approached the man. Words were exchanged, and in a sudden turn of events, the man opened fire while still holding the child.
One of the church members, later identified as Deacon Eddie Shed, was shot multiple times, including after falling to the ground.
Despite his critical injuries, Shed—who served as head of church security—managed to return fire, striking the assailant.
A second church member was also shot in the exchange.
The suspect attempted to flee the scene with the child but reportedly stumbled and fell while holding the infant and the weapon.
He eventually made it to a vehicle being driven by his father, and the two fled the scene. They were later located at Garden Park Medical Center.
One of the suspects is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.
Emergency crews responded immediately. Deacon Eddie Shed was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another victim, suffering from life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to Mobile, Alabama, while a third individual was transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
Three individuals have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed that the shooting was not connected to any Spring Break-related events.
Later that evening, Empowerment Ministries Christian Center released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Deacon Shed. The statement reads, in part:
“Our beloved Deacon Eddie Shed was taken from us in a senseless act of gun violence. Deacon Shed epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm. He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss.”
Senior Pastor Dr. Gregg S. Magee, Sr., emphasized that the perpetrator was not affiliated with the church, and the tragedy has left the congregation heartbroken.
The church described Shed as a “pillar of strength” and a “beacon of light and hope,” offering prayers to his family and all affected by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s motives and the events leading up to the gunfire.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Gulfport Police as the investigation remains active.