CHICAGO Nearly two weeks after four people were killed and 14 others were injured in a shooting following an album release party in River North, the rapper who hosted the party is speaking out.
The deadly shooting unfolded around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, as a crowd exited Artis Restaurant and Lounge near the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue.
The crowd had gathered for an album release party for “HollyHOOD The Mixtape,” the latest release by Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle.
But as the crowd exited the event space, gunfire erupted from a dark-colored vehicle, leaving 18 wounded, four fatally.
Officers said the victims ranged in age from 21 to 32, five of them men and 13 of them women.
Cellphone video obtained by WGN News captured the chaotic scene moments after the shooting.
‘l carry a heavy heart knowing so many lives were affected‘
In a social media post shared late Monday night, Buckzz addressed the shooting, calling it “senseless.”
“Last week, I hosted a listening party in downtown Chicago for a project I’ve been working on for three years, my first body of work built on real blood, sweat, and tears. What was supposed to be a joyful and peaceful night ended in heartbreak. As the party was wrapping up, a mass shooting occurred, where 4 lives were taken from us, 15 others injured with the majority being women, who came out to show love and support. These weren’t strangers. These were people I love. These were friends, family, creatives, significant others, and people who’ve been with me through this entire journey. What happened was senseless, and there’s no reason a group of innocent people, mostly women, should have ever been targeted in that way.
And while we can’t say for certain what was in someone’s mind or what anyone’s intentions were, I do know this…l carry a heavy heart knowing so many lives were affected. My heart aches for the lives lost, for those who are healing from physical and emotional wounds, and for the spaces and spirits that may never be the same again. This moment is something that changed a number of us incredibly. I will continue to honor those we lost, stand by those who are healing, and do everything I can to keep their memory alive. Please continue to pray for the families and our community as we try to make sense of everything.”
Mello Buckzz
According to a family member of one of the victims, many of those who attended knew the rapper, some even grew up with her.
Among the victims killed was 23-year-old Devonte Terrell Williamson, Mello Buckzz’ boyfriend, whom she had only recently met, his mother confirmed to local affiliate WGN.
Family members described Williamson as a caring and trusting man who was devoted to his family, particularly his daughter.
Another victim, Leon Andrew Henry, grew up with the rapper.
“They’ve been friends since they’ve been kids, since before she became Mello Buckzz,” Henry’s mother, Tiffany Henry, told WGN.
Prior to the deadly shooting, Buckzz had gained significant attention as an emerging rapper. She currently has millions of streams on her music and videos.
Back in 2023, Pitchfork labeled Buckzz as one to watch following the release of her track “Pretty Opp.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, in 2023, the rapper pleaded guilty to the assault of another rapper and was sentenced to three years probation.
As the investigation into the deadly shooting continues, police say they believe the incident was a targeted attack, though it’s unknown for whom the shots were intended.
According to CPD Supt. Larry Snelling, detectives are working with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to analyze shell casings recovered on the scene. Additionally, evidence suggests that at least two weapons were used in the spray of bullets.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting and an investigation is ongoing.
Last week, authorities announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the deadly shooting.
To claim the reward, those with information are asked to contact the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-535-STOP (7867).
