Crime
4 killed, 14 wounded in mass shooting outside Chicago Artis Lounge nightclub
No arrests have been made as of Thursday.
CHICAGO, IL – At least four people were killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting late Wednesday night outside the Artis Lounge nightclub in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, according to Chicago police.
Authorities said the shooting occurred around 11:00 p.m. in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a dark-colored SUV drove past the venue and three occupants opened fire into a crowd gathered outside the nightclub.
The victims were reportedly leaving an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz at the time of the shooting.
Among the four confirmed fatalities were two men, ages 24 and 25, and two women, one of whom has been identified as Taylor Walker, also known as “Tay Tay.”
Another victim, Avi Drexler, was also confirmed deceased by friends and family. Both individuals were reportedly part of the local music and creative community.
The identities and ages of the remaining deceased victims have not yet been publicly released by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Fourteen others were injured, ranging in age from 21 to 32 years old. Eight of the injured were reported to be in good condition with non-life-threatening wounds.
Among them were:
- A 29-year-old woman shot in the shin
- A 29-year-old man shot in the thigh
- A 31-year-old woman shot in the knee
- A 25-year-old man shot in the hand and thigh
- A 25-year-old woman shot in the thigh
- A 30-year-old woman shot in the hand
- A 29-year-old man shot in the forearm
- A 27-year-old woman shot in the foot
At least four additional victims were listed in serious to critical condition at area hospitals. Emergency responders and hospital staff continue to provide care for the wounded.
Rapper Mello Buckzz released a statement on social media in the wake of the tragedy, expressing sorrow and concern for those impacted:
“Prayers up for all my sisters. God please wrap your arms around every last one of them. Feel like everything just weighing down on me… all I can do is talk to God and pray.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and deeply traumatic. “The worst I’ve ever seen,” one individual shared. “People were frantically searching for their friends, trying to figure out who was alive. Phones and keys were dropped during the chaos — people couldn’t even call for help.”
No arrests have been made as of Thursday.
The Chicago Police Department confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to identify and apprehend the three individuals responsible for the attack.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Chicago Police or submit a tip anonymously through CPD’s tip line.
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses as they piece together the events that led to one of the city’s deadliest shootings this year.
Crime
61-year-old Sharon killed by ex-boyfriend in Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium shooting, Craig Sipe charged with murder
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, has been charged with aggravated murder following a fatal shooting at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, according to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the fitness facility on 4th Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.
During the initial investigation, authorities determined that a 61-year-old woman had been shot and seriously injured.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries, police confirmed. Her name has not been officially released by authorities.
According to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect targeted one victim before fleeing the area. Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, although authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances that led to the violence.
Sipe, who is from Akron, later turned himself in to Cuyahoga Falls police. He was taken into custody and transported to the Summit County Jail.
Authorities have charged Sipe with one count of aggravated murder in connection with the woman’s death. He was expected to be arraigned on Monday, October 19, according to the information released about the case.
The charge represents an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
The Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium was closed following the shooting and was scheduled to remain closed through Monday, October 19, 2026, as the investigation continued.
Police have not released additional information about the events leading up to the shooting or the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Investigators said further details would be shared as they become available and when appropriate.
The City of Cuyahoga Falls also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones as they cope with the loss.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s identity, and additional details about the case remain limited.
The investigation is ongoing as officials work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.