Young Mother Killed in Auburn Gresham Shooting, Community Pleads for Justice

Gabryel Ayers, 26, was shot and killed while driving with her infant daughter and a 27-year-old man in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Chicago faith leaders and authorities are urging the community to come forward with information after a shooting in Auburn Gresham left 26-year-old Gabryel Ayers dead. Ayers was shot while driving with her infant daughter and a 27-year-old man. The victims then crashed into a nearby vehicle, and three gunmen approached the car and continued shooting as witnesses ducked for cover. Ayers died from her injuries, while the 27-year-old man survived, as did the unharmed baby. Crime Stoppers of Cook County and St. Sabina Church have offered a combined $20,000 reward for information leading to arrests.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Auburn Gresham community and highlighted the ongoing gun violence plaguing Chicago neighborhoods. The death of a young mother has left her infant daughter without a parent, and the community is desperate for answers and justice.

The details

According to police, the shooting unfolded around 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday in the 7900 block of S. May St. Someone opened fire on the car carrying Ayers, her young daughter, and a 27-year-old man. The victims then crashed into a nearby GMC van, and three gunmen approached the car and continued shooting as witnesses ducked for cover. Ayers suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital in critical condition before she died from her injuries. The 27-year-old man, also shot multiple times, survived, as did the unharmed baby.

  • The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • A vigil was held on Friday, February 7, 2026 to honor Gabryel Ayers' life.

The players

Gabryel Ayers

A 26-year-old woman who was shot and killed while driving with her infant daughter and a 27-year-old man in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

Sen. Willie Preston

An Illinois state senator who spoke at the vigil, calling the shooters "monsters" and urging the community to come forward with information.

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who attended the vigil and acknowledged the ongoing violence affecting communities across the city.

Father Michael Pfleger

The longtime pastor of St. Sabina Church near the shooting site, who called for anyone with information to come forward and offered a $10,000 reward from the church.

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What they’re saying

“The people that pulled out automatic weapons on this very land that we stand on, ran up in broad daylight and murdered Gabryel are monsters to me. I'm calling on every person to say enough is enough.”

— Sen. Willie Preston, Illinois State Senator (WGN)

“This tragedy continues to tear at the thread of the soul of Chicago. It's tragedies like this that remind us of how much more work that we have to do.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson (WGN)

“Think of that baby's face. Think of that mother laying in the car dead, and I pray you don't sleep until you talk and tell what you know. If you know somebody, and you know who did it, I pray you don't sleep. You can't close your eyes; you can't get rest until you come forward.”

— Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor, St. Sabina Church (WGN)

What’s next

Crime Stoppers of Cook County announced a $10,000 reward leading to the arrest or indictment of anyone involved in the shooting. Pfleger said St. Sabina will add another $10,000 reward. Anyone with information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has devastated the Auburn Gresham community and highlighted the urgent need to address gun violence in Chicago neighborhoods. The community is rallying together to demand justice and find the perpetrators, offering substantial rewards in the hopes of generating leads that will lead to arrests and closure for Gabryel Ayers' family.