Vigil honors mother killed in South Side shooting as baby survives

Community mourns 26-year-old Gabryel Ayres, calls for justice and accountability

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A vigil was held on Friday for 26-year-old Gabryel Ayres, a mother who was shot and killed on Chicago's South Side while her 14-month-old baby was in the back seat and miraculously unharmed. The shooting occurred near 79th Street and South May Street, and a man in the vehicle was also injured. Authorities are still searching for the suspects, and community leaders are urging the public to come forward with information as two separate rewards totaling $20,000 are now being offered.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing toll of gun violence in Chicago, particularly in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. It also raises questions about public safety, the need for accountability, and long-term solutions to address the root causes of such violence.

The details

According to police, Gabryel Ayres was shot multiple times near the intersection of 79th Street and South May Street. Her vehicle then crashed into another car. The man who was with Ayres at the time was also injured, but her 14-month-old baby girl miraculously survived the attack unharmed. Community leaders and city officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, attended a vigil for Ayres and called for the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects. Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church announced he is matching the $10,000 reward offered by Cook County Crime Stoppers, doubling the incentive for information leading to arrests.

  • The shooting occurred on Chicago's South Side this week.
  • A vigil for Gabryel Ayres was held on Friday.

The players

Gabryel Ayres

A 26-year-old mother who was shot and killed in the shooting incident.

Father Michael Pfleger

A community leader from St. Sabina Church who announced he is matching the $10,000 reward offered by Cook County Crime Stoppers.

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who attended the vigil and addressed the ongoing gun violence in the city.

State Senator Willie Preston

A state senator who called the suspects "monsters" and vowed to hold them accountable.

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What they’re saying

“Talk about it like that mother is your sister or your mother, think about that baby that's going to grow up with no mother. That ought to prick your conscience to do something. And if it doesn't, then you're a frightening, scary human being and should be locked up.”

— Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor, St. Sabina Church

“It's tragedies like this that remind us of how much more work we have to do. This is not a season to gloat, but it's also not a season to be in despair.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson

“We're going to find and bring justice to not just this family but families across the city who have been struck by violence. We're going to hold those individuals responsible, but that doesn't just mean locking them up. It means making sure we don't create other individuals that believe the only way in which to survive in this city is through violence and crime.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson

“This is real life. I'm going to tell people like it is. I'm calling these monsters what they are; these are monsters. We're going to find you and make sure we hold you accountable.”

— State Senator Willie Preston, Illinois State Senator, 16th District

What’s next

Area detectives are investigating the shooting, and anyone with information is urged to contact Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP (7867). The $20,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to arrests.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis in Chicago, particularly in vulnerable communities. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of such violence, as well as the importance of community engagement, accountability, and a shared commitment to public safety.