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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.