Chicago Shooting Kills Two Mothers, Critically Injures Three Children

Two women and a boy died during a shootout in Chicago on July 4. The dead were identified as 46-year-old Nakeeshia Strong, 24-year-old Caprice Edwards, and 7-year-old Bryson Orr. Three other children were critically injured. The shooting began when two cars pulled up outside a residence on South Woodlawn Avenue, and the occupants opened fire. Relatives said Caprice Edwards died while shielding her one-year-old son. The injured children, aged five, seven, and nine, were transported to Comer Children’s Hospital with serious injuries. 

Frank Mixon, Strong’s teenage son, witnessed the incident, which he described as “very vivid.” The teenager said his mom was “an amazing woman” who worked “day and night” to care for her children. His school basketball coach, Lawrence Jackson, told reporters that the school would provide the teenager with support and counseling and encourage him to continue his basketball career. 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement about the tragedy, saying the city offers its deepest condolences to the family and surrounding community and promising to support the Chicago Police Department’s efforts to bring the shooters to justice. 

Police figures show that more than 100 people were shot in the Windy City over the July 4 holidays.  Supt. Larry Snelling held a press conference to address the shootings and described killing as a choice made by “calculated” individuals who must be brought to justice. 

Mayor Johnson added that Chicago needs more support from the federal government to help invest in the city’s poorest communities. Addressing the race of those affected, Johnson said “black death” has been ignored and “accepted” in America for a “very long time.” He called for more community input into solving and preventing crime, but some critics accused the Mayor of failing to organize for such incidents. 

Ald. Jeannette Taylor said preparations for July 4 must begin months earlier. Ald. Anthony Beale criticized Johnson for taking a vacation over the July 4 period, saying he should be present to support police and residents.