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
Seven missing after powerful explosion at California fireworks facility as evacuation orders remain in place

Seven People Still Missing After Major Blast at California Fireworks Site; Evacuations Continue

Hundreds of residents are experiencing power outages, with seven individuals still unaccounted…
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Javier Baez both make All-Star Game

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Javier Baez Selected for All-Star Game

First, they were traded for each other. Now, they’ll be on opposite…
Four dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks near Indonesia's Bali, agency says

Tragic Ferry Accident Near Bali: Four Confirmed Dead, 30 Missing

Indonesian rescuers hurried to locate victims in choppy waters on Thursday after…
Why it would be tough for Mets, others to acquire Brewers veteran

Why Acquiring Brewers Veteran Might Be Challenging for the Mets and Others

The Mets are in need of an additional starting pitcher, along with…
What to know about buying electric vehicles after the federal tax incentives end

Key Points to Consider When Purchasing Electric Cars After the Federal Tax Credits Expire

The massive tax and spending cut bill that Congress passed Thursday ends…
Sabu has died: WWE star was 60

Cause of Death for ‘Star Wars’ Actor Kenneth Colley Disclosed

Colley may most notably be known as Admiral Piett in the original…
'What are the Republicans waiting for?'

‘Why Are Republicans Delaying Action?’

WASHINGTON — President Trump expressed frustration on social media as a procedural…
Underwater view of a great white shark with its mouth open.

Monitor Shark Activity: Stay Alert with Real-Time Great White Shark Sightings Before the Holiday Weekend

VACATIONERS have been warned to double-check the coasts with a newly released…
Elizabeth Hurley wears leopard print swimsuit, shares intimate details about Billy Ray Cyrus relationship

Elizabeth Hurley Sports Leopard Print Swimsuit and Discusses Her Connection with Billy Ray Cyrus

Elizabeth Hurley is officially in summer mode.  On July 1, the “Austin Powers”…
Oddsmakers don't believe in Aaron Rodgers' steelers

Betting Experts Aren’t Confident in Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Rep. Angie Nixon on new ICE facility at Camp Blanding

Congresswoman Angie Nixon Discusses New ICE Facility at Camp Blanding

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that construction of a new ICE detention facility…
House Republicans are pushing Trump's big bill to the brink of passage

Republicans in the House are close to passing a major bill backed by Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are set to vote on President Donald…