A family gathering to celebrate a confirmation turned deadly on April 13, 2024, in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. Around 9:18 p.m. near 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue, gunfire erupted when witnesses said a black sedan pulled up and occupants began shooting into the crowd. Nine-year-old Ariana Molina was struck in the head and pronounced dead at Comer Children’s Hospital. Ten other people were hurt, including three other children: a 1-year-old and an 8-year-old, both shot multiple times and reported in critical condition, and a 9-year-old with a graze wound to a left pinky who was in good condition. Seven adults, ages 19 to 40, were also wounded; Ariana’s mother was shot in the back and her father in the leg.

Police responded after a ShotSpotter alert registering 18 rounds and treated multiple victims at the scene. Authorities described the shooting as likely targeted and gang-related, while Ariana’s father, Jose Molina, denied any family gang involvement and said they had been planning to move because of rising neighborhood violence. No arrests had been announced in initial reports. Were you in that area that night or do you have information that could help the investigation?