Crime
Woman Identified as Akaysha Fatally Shot in Apparent Case of Mistaken Identity in North Lawndale
CHICAGO, IL — A 33-year-old woman, identified by community members as Akaysha, was tragically shot and killed Thursday afternoon in what authorities suspect may have been a case of mistaken identity.
The incident occurred in the 1600 block of South Ridgeway Avenue, in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.
According to the Chicago Police Department, Akaysha was seated inside a white sedan with tinted windows around 2:30 p.m. when three individuals approached the vehicle.
One of the offenders produced a firearm and opened fire, striking the victim multiple times in the face and torso.
Akaysha attempted to escape by driving off, but the vehicle ultimately crashed into a curb near 18th Street.
Emergency responders transported her to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her full identity has not yet been officially released by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Investigators believe the heavily tinted windows may have led the attackers to misidentify the vehicle or its occupant.
The active crime scene extended from the 1600 block to the 1800 block of South Ridgeway, where 22 shell casings were recovered and marked as evidence.
A resident in the area, who requested anonymity, recalled seeing the car behaving strangely just before the shooting:
“It looked like it was trying to park but kept moving forward and back. I had just walked into my house when the shots started—first a couple, then a burst of them. It was so fast.”
North of 18th Street, officers from the Ogden District (10th) and Harrison Area detectives were seen clustering around the white sedan, which had come to rest against the curb.
All four doors of the vehicle were open as evidence technicians combed nearby yards and alleyways for additional clues.
As of Thursday evening, no arrests had been made, and police have not released descriptions of the suspects involved.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area Four detectives or submit tips anonymously through CPD’s tip line at 833-408-0069 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.