Tatanisha Jackson, a 43-year-old woman, was fatally shot on September 19, 2024, at her home in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. The incident occurred around 3:55 p.m. in the 6800 block of South Cornell Avenue. Jackson was shot four times in the head by a 17-year-old boy who approached her as she entered her home. The shooter was identified as Davion Pryor, Jackson's son.
According to neighbors and police reports, Pryor had kicked in the back door of the home before the shooting. He then waited inside and shot Jackson at nearly point-blank range as she unlocked the front door, in front of her husband and 7-year-old son who had just been picked up from school.
Jackson was rushed to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she died from her injuries. The gun used in the attack, a 9-millimeter, and 12 bullet casings were recovered from the scene. Pryor fled the scene through the back door but later turned himself in at the 3rd District police station around 9:59 p.m. the same day.
Davion Pryor was charged as an adult with first-degree murder and appeared in court on Saturday, September 21, 2024. During the hearing, it was revealed that Pryor had a history of mental illness and was on medication, though he rarely took it. He was also on home confinement following a previous charge of aggravated battery related to a carjacking in July. The court ordered Pryor to remain behind bars and scheduled a mental health evaluation for him.
Neighbors described Jackson as a vibrant and loving person, always smiling and the "life of the party." She had been married for 21 years and was the mother of three sons. The community was left in shock and grief following the tragic event.
