Woman Fatally Shot at 25th Birthday Party in Chicago

Gunman opened fire on guests, killing the birthday celebrant and injuring another person.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm

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Kayla Winfrey, 25, was celebrating her birthday with dozens of friends and family in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood when a fight broke out among some female guests. A male shooter arrived in a silver sedan and opened fire, fatally shooting Winfrey and injuring another partygoer.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to be a major issue in Chicago, with incidents often occurring at family gatherings and celebrations. This tragic shooting highlights the need for improved community safety measures and conflict resolution programs to prevent such senseless acts.

The details

According to police reports, the fight started among a group of females at the party and spilled out onto the front porch. One of the women involved in the fight then called the alleged shooter, a 26-year-old man from the Washington Heights neighborhood, who arrived in a silver sedan and opened fire. Winfrey was struck multiple times and pronounced dead at the hospital, while a 36-year-old Matteson man was also shot in the abdomen and leg but is in fair condition.

  • The shooting occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Winfrey was pronounced dead at 12:21 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Kayla Winfrey

A 25-year-old Chicago resident who was celebrating her birthday when she was fatally shot.

Michelle Martin

A 55-year-old neighbor of Winfrey's who called 911 after hearing the gunshots and saw paramedics trying to resuscitate Winfrey.

The Shooter

A 26-year-old man from the Washington Heights neighborhood of Chicago who arrived at the party in a silver sedan and opened fire, killing Winfrey and injuring another partygoer.

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What they’re saying

“It's sad, it's very sad. I hope they catch the person [who did it.]”

— Michelle Martin, Neighbor

“[Winfrey] was a real sweet girl.”

— Michelle Martin, Neighbor

What’s next

Police are still searching for the shooter, who fled the scene in a silver sedan. Authorities are investigating the incident and asking anyone with information to come forward.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a birthday celebration highlights the ongoing gun violence crisis in Chicago and the need for comprehensive solutions to improve community safety, conflict resolution, and access to resources that can help prevent such senseless acts.