Crime
20-year-old Kayla Dadon killed after shooting on South Prairie Avenue in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL – A 20-year-old woman has been identified as the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred Friday night on the city’s South Side. The victim, Kayla Dadon, was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers first responded at approximately 9:38 p.m. on June 27, 2025, to a call reporting a person shot in the area of 53rd Street and Indiana Avenue.
The caller stated that their friend had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers canvassed the area and knocked on nearby doors but found no victim, evidence of a shooting, or reports of gunfire at that location.
Roughly 14 minutes later, at 9:52 p.m., a second 911 call reported a woman lying unresponsive and bleeding from the head on the sidewalk near 54th Street and Prairie Avenue, one block east of the initial location.
Responding officers and emergency medical personnel arrived to find Kayla Dadon suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A witness at the scene informed police that Kayla had been involved in either a verbal dispute or a physical altercation with an unidentified male shortly before the shooting.
The suspect is described as:
- A Black male, approximately 25 years old
- 6’1” in height
- Wearing gray pants and a white t-shirt
The witness stated that during the altercation, the man fired a single shot at Kayla before fleeing the area on foot.
Investigators recovered one shell casing and a canister of mace near the victim’s body.
As of now, no suspects are in custody. Area Two detectives are actively investigating the homicide.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Chicago Police District 2 at (312) 747-8366 or submit a tip anonymously at www.CPDTIP.com.
Notably, the delay in locating the victim—approximately 16 minutes—was reportedly due to an initially inaccurate address provided to dispatchers.
Advocates have pointed out that the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which previously covered this area and could have alerted police earlier, is no longer in use. Mayor Brandon Johnson ended the city’s contract with ShotSpotter in 2024.
This tragedy adds to growing concerns about response times and the impact of discontinued public safety technologies.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdy’s death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdy’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdy’s life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.