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
Minnesota National Guard deployed over cyberattack

Minnesota National Guard Activated Following Cybersecurity Breach

() Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has issued an executive order effective immediately…
Doctor urges importance of early screenings after Cubs Ryne Sandberg dies of metastatic prostate cancer

Doctor Highlights the Critical Role of Early Screenings Following Cubs Legend Ryne Sandberg’s Passing from Metastatic Prostate Cancer

CHICAGO (WLS) — Ryne “Ryno” Sandberg announced he was diagnosed with metastatic…
Fake Labubu | Plush toy doll craze leads to Better Business Bureau warning about counterfeits known as Lafufu

Counterfeit Plush Toys: Better Business Bureau Issues Warning on Fake “Labubu” Dolls Known as “Lafufu”

DURHAM, N.C. — Have you heard of them? It’s the latest toy…
Kelley Wolf struggles to enter family home during live stream after Scott Wolf drops restraining order

Kelley Wolf Finds It Difficult to Access Family Home on Live Stream After Scott Wolf Lifts Restraining Order

Kelley Wolf faced difficulties entering her family residence, merely two weeks after…
NYC shooter having 'grudge against NFL is ridiculous': Bob Costas

Bob Costas on NYC Shooter’s Alleged ‘Grudge Against NFL’: It’s Ridiculous

() Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas believes the rhetoric that New York City…
Hawley introduces bill to provide $600 tariff rebates to adults and children

Hawley Proposes Legislation for $600 Tariff Rebates for Individuals and Families

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced legislation to provide $600 tariff rebates…
Teen athlete paralyzed in ski accident finds motivation in tennis, set to play at Clemson

Young athlete finds new drive in tennis after being paralyzed in ski accident, ready to compete at Clemson

BROAD CHANNEL, Queens — There is empowerment, strength and confidence when Liv…
Cincinnati business owners slam viral 'out of control' beating amid fight to clean up downtown

Cincinnati business owners slam viral ‘out of control’ beating amid fight to clean up downtown

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! CINCINNATI – Business owners…