Chicago shooting: 16-year-old Meeyah Smith killed in Avalon Park worked with 'Englewood First Responders,' friends say; man hurt
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 16-year-old girl who was killed in shooting Friday night on the city’s South Side is being remembered by her community.

Meeyah Smith was part of an organization called “Englewood First Responders.”

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

The organization helps better the community by cleaning neighborhoods, spending time with seniors and supporting families experiencing hardship.

Smith’s co-workers who became her close friends told ABC7 they are shocked after the sudden loss.

The shooting happened in the Avalon Park neighborhood’s 1200-block of East 83rd Street around 11 p.m. Friday.

Police said a suspect walked up and shot Smith and a 35-year-old man. The man survived.

RELATED | Chicago shootings: At least 50 people shot, 6 fatally, in 4th of July weekend gun violence, CPD says

James Riley, a local resident, expressed his disbelief about the current events in the area. “I’m consistently surprised by what’s happening around here,” he admitted. “While I’m starting to accept it, it’s still heartbreaking.”

Street pastor and anti-violence activist Donovan Price said he’s concerned about what feels like an uptick in gun violence.

Price remarked, “Sometimes it boils down to pure malice. As long as firearms are accessible, people will resort to them in moments of anger.” He described it as a “convenient outlet for rage.”

No one is in custody for the shooting as Chicago police continue to investigate.

Shana Riley, from Avalon Park, shared her concerns, stating, “I have two sons and their safety is a huge worry for me.” She added, “I’ve lost a brother to murder and another has been shot, so it personally affects me deeply.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Investigation begins into plane crash that killed NASCAR driver Biffle and 6 others

Authorities Launch Inquiry into Plane Crash Involving NASCAR Driver Biffle and Six Additional Fatalities

Authorities are working diligently to uncover who was piloting the aircraft and…
On Maduro’s ‘terror island,’ Hezbollah operatives move in as tourists drift out

Hezbollah Presence Grows on Venezuela’s ‘Terror Island’ as Tourism Declines Under Maduro’s Regime

From afar, Margarita Island appears to be the quintessential Caribbean paradise, with…
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Unraveling True Crime: MIT Shooting Suspect Updates, Nick Reiner Legal Insights & Brian Walshe Sentencing

A composite image reveals Claudio Neves-Valente, the suspect in the Brown University…
Putin says Russia won't launch new attacks on other countries 'if you treat us with respect'

Putin Promises Peace: Russia Vows No New Attacks if Treated with Respect

During a televised press conference held in Moscow on Friday, Russian President…
Florida cold case breakthroughs: Sheriff’s unit cracks two long-unsolved killings

Florida Sheriff’s Unit Solves Two Decades-Old Murder Mysteries

Two longstanding cold cases in Florida have been resolved, as authorities announced…
Baytown, Texas student stabbed: Fight over $21 vape led to deadly stabbing of Sterling High School student Andrew Meismer: Records

Tragic Turn: Vape Dispute Ends in Fatal Stabbing at Baytown’s Sterling High School

In Baytown, Texas, an 18-year-old student faces murder charges following the fatal…
Tucker Blasts Pastors Excusing Innocent Deaths at Amfest

Tucker Criticizes Pastors for Justifying Innocent Deaths at Amfest Event

Tucker Carlson’s 2025 Amfest Address Lays Out a Sweeping, Unapologetically Christian Defense…
Mamdani names two deputy mayors, creates new department of economic justice

Mamdani Appoints Two Deputy Mayors, Establishes Economic Justice Department

In an announcement made on Friday, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani revealed the appointment…
Jacksonville father who ran over, killed 8-month-old son sentenced to 30 years in prison

Jacksonville Father Receives 30-Year Sentence for Tragic Death of 8-Month-Old Son in Vehicular Incident

In a tragic case that has gripped Jacksonville, a father responsible for…
Federal Agencies Launch Websites Highlighting Accomplishments in 11 Months of Trump Administration

Federal Agencies Unveil New Websites Showcasing Key Achievements from First 11 Months Under Trump Administration

Federal agencies are spotlighting their achievements over the initial eleven months of…
92-year-old's bittersweet journey to becoming a New York candy-store icon

92-Year-Old Becomes Beloved New York Candy Store Icon in Heartwarming Journey

In the heart of Manhattan’s East Village, Ray’s Candy Store stands as…
Putin claims 'troops are advancing,' will achieve goals as EU approves massive Ukraine loan

Putin Asserts Military Progress as EU Greenlights Major Loan to Ukraine

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the country’s military forces…