River North, Chicago mass shooting victims outside Artis nightclub last night include hairstylist, health care worker
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Those killed in a mass shooting outside a River North restaurant Wednesday night included a hairstylist and a health care worker.

Devastated families have been gathering outside Northwestern Memorial Hospital Thursday, learning their loved ones didn’t make it.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Eighteen people were shot, at least four fatally, just after 11 p.m. Wednesday in the 300-block of West Chicago Avenue, in front of the Artis Restaurant and Lounge.

Police said a dark-colored vehicle drove past, and shots were fired into a crowd of people. The vehicle then drove away.

Rapper Mello Buckzz was hosting a mixtape release party inside that restaurant and lounge at the time.

“I’ve buried two children, not trying to lose my daughter. I just ask God: Please make sure my baby’s OK, please,” said Sharonda Booth, whose daughter, Taylor Walker, 26, was killed. “My baby is 26 years old. She ain’t never been through no violence like this.”

Walker was a hairstylist from the South Side.

“My girlfriend got shot too,” Booth said. “My girlfriend told me that they put her in an ambulance; they took her out of one ambulance and put her in another one. And she said that they were transferring her here. There were several people out here standing around here, trying to find out, and their loved ones were at Cook County, at Stroger.”

Chicago Police Director of Community Policing Glen Brooks was at Northwestern Hospital, comforting family members Thursday morning.

Other victims were taken to Mt. Sinai, Illinois Masonic and Stroger hospitals.

That’s where Kelvin White’s niece, 27-year-old Aviance Drexler, was treated before she, too, died from her injuries.

“You can’t make this up; you couldn’t script this. I just saw her last night before the party. She was all dressed up, smiling, happy, excited, and now here we are today, this morning. It’s devastating,” Kelvin White said.

King was married, and worked in health care, her uncle said.

Her sister was also injured at the launch party shooting and is still being treated at Stroger.

“This was a group of females that, for whatever reason, were targeted, and they were doing nothing but just trying to enjoy themselves,” Kelvin White said.

Both of those victims were friends with Buckzz, and were there supporting her Wednesday night at the mixtape release party before the deadly shooting.

Two men, ages 24 and 25, were also taken to Stroger Hospital, where they died, police said.

They have not yet been identified.

Three other victims were taken to hospitals in critical condition and another is in serious condition, police said.

Ten others were taken to hospitals in good to fair condition.

Those shot are in their 20s and 30s.

No one is in custody, and a motive is not yet known.

Police are still investigating, but a source told ABC7 Chicago investigators believe multiple shooters were involved.

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
DUI charge dropped against truck driver in deadly California crash

California Trucker Cleared: DUI Charges Dismissed in Fatal Crash Case

The DUI charge against a driver involved in a fatal eight-vehicle collision…
Shark attack leaves beachgoers shaken as popular tourist haven goes on alert

Terrifying Shark Encounter Sparks Alert at Beloved Tourist Beach

A renowned Hawaiian vacation spot has been temporarily shut to visitors following…
Student arrested for flipping Turning Point table charged days prior in similar anti-conservative incident

Repeat Offender: Student Arrested Again for Disrupting Conservative Events

A student from the University of Iowa found himself in legal trouble…
Stream It Or Skip It?

Must-Watch or Pass? Find Out What to Stream Next!

We’re diving back into the captivating world of James Beaufort and Ruby…
Alex Murdaugh slams new true-crime series depicting family's double-murder: 'Misleading portrayals'

Inside the Latest True Crime Unveilings: Alex Murdaugh’s Protest, Bryan Kohberger’s Plan, and a Shocking ‘House of Horrors’ Discovery

Cellebrite on Kohberger’s search for psychopath Heather and Jared Barnhart, experts from…
'It's time for action': Clay County teachers rally at board meeting, demanding pay raises

Clay County Teachers Demand Pay Raises: Passionate Rally at Board Meeting Sparks Urgent Call to Action

The teachers’ union has reached a stalemate with the district after a…
Trump administration asks to immediately block SNAP distribution order 

Trump Administration Seeks Urgent Halt on SNAP Benefits Distribution Order

On Friday, the Trump administration made a significant move by appealing to…
North Carolina man Tyler Weaver, 25, murdered in front of fiancée during 'targeted' home invasion, 2 career criminals arrested

Shocking Home Invasion in North Carolina: Man Killed in Front of Fiancée, Two Repeat Offenders Arrested

In a tragic incident in North Carolina, a national kart racing champion…