Inset: Kiara Jenkins. Background: The Chicago church that Kiara Jenkins was heading to when she was shot and killed in an alley behind her house (WLS).
A devoted mother of five from Chicago, preparing for her upcoming birthday, was tragically shot and killed en route to an early morning church service, authorities and her family report. Her remains were discovered in an alley behind her residence.
“This was a senseless act of violence that never should have happened,” expressed 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor in a statement on Tuesday. “This tragedy has shaken our community deeply.”
Kiara Jenkins, 36, was described by her loved ones as deeply religious and committed to her community at Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Woodlawn. Known for attending its 5 a.m. services, she was on her way there early Sunday morning when the incident occurred, according to her family and fellow congregants who shared their sorrow with CBS affiliate WBBM.
Her body was discovered shortly after 4:30 a.m., suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, in an alley near 64th Street and Drexel Avenue, as reported by police.
As of now, no suspects have been apprehended, and a reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Jenkins’ death.
“This is not fair at all,” lamented a family member in a Facebook post, where relatives and fellow church members have been expressing their condolences and grief following the tragic loss of Jenkins.
“I see these post all the time and immediately pray for the family and feel sad for them…now it’s my family and it hurts so bad!” said one relative. “She didn’t deserve this! Lord help my family.”
Another family member wrote, “Kiara, my sweet beautiful girl, this is so unreal. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it will just be a bad dream. Anyone whoever met you, right away knew you were special. I love you … and you will forever be in my heart. This hurts so bad and I’m struggling with the pain of losing you.”
According to WBBM, Jenkins’ children range in age from a college freshman to a 10-year-old. She was going to be celebrating her 37th birthday on Jan. 25, her family says.
