In the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago, a celebration of a milestone birthday tragically turned into a scene of violence, leaving a young woman dead. On the evening of Saturday, April 11, 2026, 25-year-old Kayla Winfrey was shot and killed while she was celebrating her 25th birthday with a group of people outside. The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m.
in the 8000 block of South Morgan Street.
According to Chicago police, a dispute broke out between two different parties within the gathering. Following the quarrel, an individual opened fire on the group. Winfrey sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her body and was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. A 36-year-old man was also injured in the shooting, suffering gunshot wounds to his abdomen and right calf; he was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in fair condition.
The shooter, identified as a 26-year-old man from the Washington Heights area, fled the scene in a silver sedan and remains at large. Known for her kindness and intelligence, Kayla Winfrey was a beloved member of her community. She had previously worked as an EMT and was considered a mentor and a friend by those who knew her.
As of early Sunday morning following the incident, no arrests had been made, and Calumet Area detectives were continuing their investigation into the fatal shooting. Friends and loved ones are left to mourn the sudden and violent loss of a young woman on what should have been a joyous occasion.
