CHICAGO, IL – A shooting incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, including a 7-year-old boy. The gunfire erupted in the 0-100 block of South Whipple Street around 2:30 p.m., according to local law enforcement.
The victims, four men and a child, were in an empty lot when an unidentified vehicle approached. An individual from within the vehicle brandished a firearm and began shooting at the group. A 33-year-old man, who was shot in the head, was rushed to Stroger Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Two other men, aged 38 and 31, were critically injured with gunshot wounds to the lower back and head respectively. They were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital. The youngest victim, 7-year-old Aiden Corothers, sustained a minor head injury and was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
Aiden’s mother, Laparis Jordan, shared her experience with local media at the hospital. She recounted the terrifying moment when her son, who was playing outside with his scooter near relatives, was caught in the crossfire. Despite her fear, Jordan remained composed for her son’s sake. Aiden is expected to recover fully, though he may require minor surgery and will likely need therapy to cope with the traumatic experience.
This incident adds to the growing number of minors affected by gun violence in Chicago. Police data reveals that at least eight minors have been shot in the city in the past six days. The local community, including residents like Gerri Young, expressed shock and concern over the escalating violence.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, led by Area Four Detectives. Further details about the incident have yet to be released by the police.