Ashley Hardmon was 19 when she was shot and killed on July 2, 2013, in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Around 9:40 p.m., multiple shooters approached a group standing outside a home in the 4800 block of West Potomac Avenue; Ashley was struck in the head by a stray bullet. She was taken to Stroger Hospital and died soon after.

An aspiring pharmacy technician who had attended Austin Business Academy, Ashley was remembered by family and friends as a bright, positive presence. Her death was one of more than 400 homicides in Chicago that year and compounded the trauma felt by the Austin community amid escalating conflicts and gang activity. Friends and supporters have honored her memory by lighting virtual candles on sites such as Gun Violence Memorial.

If anyone knew Ashley, or has information about the shooting that night, please share what you remember.