River North, Chicago mass shooting victims outside Artis nightclub last night include hairstylist, health care worker
Share this @internewscast.com

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 individuals were shot, including at least four who were killed, shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday in the 300-block of West Chicago Avenue, located 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 already buried two children, and I’m not prepared to lose my daughter,” said Sharonda Booth, whose daughter, Taylor Walker, 26, was tragically killed. She pleaded, “I just ask God to ensure my baby is safe. My daughter is 26 and has never experienced violence like this.”

Walker was a hairstylist from the South Side.

Booth added, “My girlfriend was also shot. She informed me that she was placed in one ambulance and then transferred to another. She mentioned they were moving her here. Many people were gathered around trying to locate their loved ones, as they were either at Cook County or 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
DOGE sprouts in red states, as governors embrace the cost-cutter brand and make it their own

Red States Adopt DOGE as Cost-Saving Measure, Endorsed by Governors

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — During the tumultuous early days of President Donald…
Airport security subdues a disruptive passenger.

Dramatic Scene: Woman Throws Temper Tantrum at Airport, Screams at Police Before Being Arrested

THIS is the shocking moment a furious passenger had a full-blown foot-stomping…
Trump grants ICE ability to arrest protesters who attack agents after California pot farm raid

ICE Empowered to Arrest Protesters Following California Pot Farm Raid

President Trump declared on Friday that he is giving Immigration and Customs…
Mandatory evacuation orders in effect as 1,000-acre wildfire threatens Grand Canyon's North Rim

Evacuation Orders Issued as 1,000-Acre Wildfire Nears Grand Canyon’s North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is temporarily closed as mandatory…
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands at a press conference.

Concerns Rise Over UK’s Potential Dilemma as France Chooses Which Migrants Are Returned Under New Exchange Deal

FRANCE will have the option to select which migrants to accept under…
Supreme Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson triggered by 'state of our democracy'

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Expresses Concern About the ‘State of Our Democracy’

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, known for sparking debate, is facing…
World's oldest domesticated dog breed has cohabited with humans for 1,000 years, new study shows — but their population is plummeting

Ancient Dog Breed, Living Alongside Humans for a Millennium, Faces Rapid Decline, New Research Reveals

It gives new meaning to dog years. For nearly 10,000 years, people…
2026 midterm elections: What the next election cycle means for Illinois Democratic Party as several Congressional seats open up

Upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections: Impact on Illinois Democratic Party with Multiple Congressional Seats Opening

The political environment in Illinois is poised for a notable transformation with…
Texas family mourns 'shining light' 8-year-old daughter confirmed dead in Camp Mystic flood disaster

Texas Family Grieves Loss of Beloved 8-Year-Old Daughter in Camp Mystic Flood Tragedy

The family of 8-year-old Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal confirmed to Fox News Digital…
Israel Gaza Concentration Camp: Haaretz Calls Out Rafah Camp

Haaretz Criticizes Rafah Camp in Gaza, Referring to It as a “Concentration Camp”

Israel’s defense minister is promoting a plan to herd Gaza’s entire population…
Video still of a protestor appearing to fire a gun at agents.

Stunning Incident: Protester Allegedly Shoots at Officer During California ICE Raid on Cannabis Farm; FBI Offers $50k Reward for Information

A MASKED protester opened fire on federal agents during a tense immigration…

Eyewitness to Idaho Tragedy: Missteps, Misunderstandings, and the Unveiling of the Real Culprit

EDGING open the door to the student digs, Hunter Johnson felt something…