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.
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into tragedy when gunfire erupted during Homecoming festivities at Lincoln University, one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Saturday evening shooting left one person dead and six others injured, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a weekend of pride and unity.
Officials have identified the deceased victim as 25-year-old Jujuan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that all six surviving victims—aged between 20 and 25 years old—are expected to recover.
In a Sunday afternoon update, officials named 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson as one of the suspects involved in the shooting.
He is currently being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail, charged with carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Authorities emphasized that current evidence does not suggest the suspects attended the event with the intent to carry out a mass shooting.
Instead, investigators believe the violence stemmed from a dispute or altercation that escalated into gunfire.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following Lincoln University’s Homecoming football game.
The area was filled with tents, tables, and students celebrating the evening when chaos suddenly erupted.
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU,” said University Police Chief Marc Partee. “Devastated. If there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it — but devastated is a start.”
Lincoln University officials have announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.” Plans for a remembrance event honoring Jujuan Jeffers are underway.
Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities strongly believe multiple shooters were involved.
K-9 units are assisting in evidence collection, and forensic teams are processing what remains a large and active crime scene.
Investigators are conducting witness interviews and reviewing extensive surveillance and cellphone video footage.
Anyone with video evidence, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI to receive a secure upload link for submission.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate with local and federal partners to piece together the sequence of events and determine all parties involved.
Officials have assured the community that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional verified updates will be released as they become available.