Emma Wright, a 71-year-old African American woman, was tragically killed on December 20, 2020, in her home located in the Morgan Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. when two assailants fired multiple rounds into her house from the backyard. Wright was struck by bullets in the head, left arm, right shoulder, and right hand.
She was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn shortly after the shooting.
The investigation revealed that the gunmen fired as many as 50 rounds into the home, shattering Wright's bedroom window and causing fatal injuries. At the time of the shooting, Wright's grandson and his girlfriend were also in the house. They rushed to her room upon hearing the gunshots but were unable to save her. The police found about 50 shell casings from possibly three different weapons, including a rifle, in the backyard.
Authorities believe that Wright was not the intended target of the shooting. Instead, it is suspected that her grandson, who was living with her at the time, was the actual target. Despite this, the grandson claimed he had no idea why he would be targeted and had no further information to provide to the police. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
The community was deeply affected by Wright's death. Known affectionately as "Nana" by her neighbors, she had lived in the Morgan Park neighborhood for over 50 years and was well-regarded for her kindness and willingness to help others. Her daughter, Kimberly Lewis, expressed her devastation, noting that Wright had recently visited her in Texas for Thanksgiving. Community activists and neighbors voiced their outrage and sorrow over the senseless violence, calling for an end to the ongoing gun violence in Chicago.
The investigation into Emma Wright's death is ongoing, with police continuing to seek information and potential video footage that could lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators. The tragic incident highlights the broader issue of gun violence in Chicago, where even the elderly and those within the supposed safety of their homes are not immune to the dangers of the streets.
