Loved Ones Mourn Auburn Gresham Woman Killed on 25th Birthday

Kayla Winfrey, a youth mentor and former EMT, was fatally shot during a party at her home.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the violence that claimed Kayla Winfrey's life.The tragic loss of a beloved community member underscores the urgent need to address gun violence in Chicago neighborhoods.Chicago Today

Kayla Winfrey, a 25-year-old youth mentor and former EMT, was celebrating her birthday at her home in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood when a fight broke out among guests. Winfrey was shot and killed, leaving her loved ones devastated. Winfrey was described as an 'old soul' who enjoyed music, comedy, and basketball, and was a devoted Michael Jackson fan.

Why it matters

Winfrey's death is a tragic loss for her community, where she was known as a kind and generous person who mentored youth. Her murder also highlights the ongoing gun violence plaguing Chicago neighborhoods, and the need for solutions to address these issues.

The details

According to a police report, around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, a fight broke out among the 30-40 guests at Winfrey's 25th birthday party. The fight moved outside, and a woman involved called a 26-year-old man from the Washington Heights neighborhood to come to the home. When he arrived in a silver or grey car, he opened fire, hitting Winfrey and a 36-year-old man from Matteson. Winfrey was pronounced dead less than an hour later from a gunshot wound to the chest. No arrests have been made.

  • The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Winfrey was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

The players

Kayla Winfrey

A 25-year-old youth mentor and former EMT who was celebrating her birthday when she was fatally shot.

Equanda Summerville

Winfrey's mother, who was upstairs during the incident and did not get to say goodbye to her daughter.

Laquita Summerville

Winfrey's 34-year-old cousin who traveled from Minneapolis, Minnesota after hearing of the murder.

Jaquay Harrell

One of Winfrey's close friends who described her as 'the sister I didn't have'.

The alleged shooter

A 26-year-old man from the Washington Heights neighborhood who fled the scene after the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“'Anytime you stepped in a room with [Winfrey] it was pure laughter and energy. Anybody that came across her and met her, they loved her.'”

— Laquita Summerville, Winfrey's cousin

“'It's a rollercoaster. We all just trying to help everybody get through it, but it's not easy.'”

— Laquita Summerville, Winfrey's cousin

“'I close my eyes every day since it happened and I hear her voice and I get hurt. My heart breaks just thinking about it because she didn't deserve none of that.'”

— Laquita Summerville, Winfrey's cousin

“'She would give you the shirt off her back. She used to take double lunch to school, so she could feed her classmates.'”

— Equanda Summerville, Winfrey's mother

“'I just want justice because she didn't deserve this.'”

— Equanda Summerville, Winfrey's mother

What’s next

Police continue to investigate the shooting and search for the alleged shooter, who fled the scene. The family is calling for justice and hopes the justice system will hold the perpetrator accountable.

The takeaway

Kayla Winfrey's tragic death at her own 25th birthday party has devastated her loved ones, who describe her as a kind, generous, and beloved member of the community. Her murder highlights the ongoing gun violence plaguing Chicago neighborhoods and the need for solutions to address these issues and provide justice for victims and their families.