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.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.