Crime
Victims Identified in Mass Shooting Outside Artis Lounge Nightclub in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL — Authorities have identified the four individuals who were fatally shot in a mass shooting outside the Artis Lounge nightclub in Chicago’s River North neighborhood late Wednesday night.
The incident occurred during an album release event for local rapper Mello Buckzz and left a total of four people dead and at least 14 others injured.
The victims killed in the drive-by shooting have been identified as:
- Taylor Walker, also known as “Tay Tay”
- Aviance Drexler
- Devonte Terrell Williamson
- Leon Andrew Henry
The shooting took place around 11:00 p.m. in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue.
According to Chicago police, a dark-colored SUV drove past the nightclub and three occupants inside the vehicle opened fire into a crowd gathered outside the venue.
Witnesses say the crowd had been exiting the club following the album release party.
Initial reports confirmed the deaths of two men, ages 24 and 25, and two women.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released official autopsy reports.
Among the 14 injured, at least eight individuals were reported in good condition, including:
- 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 others remain in serious to critical condition at area hospitals. The victims range in age from 21 to 32 years old.
Rapper Mello Buckzz issued an emotional response on social media, saying:
“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.”
One eyewitness described the aftermath as overwhelming:
“The worst I’ve seen. People were searching for loved ones, phones dropped in the chaos, car keys missing — total panic. We have a lot of shootings in this city, but nothing like this.”
No arrests have been made as of Thursday.
Chicago police are actively investigating and continue to search for the three suspects involved in the shooting.
Surveillance footage is being reviewed and anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department or submit an anonymous tip.
This tragedy marks one of the most violent mass shootings in the city this year and has prompted renewed calls for action against gun violence in urban nightlife areas.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.