Cyra C. Magby, a 19-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on the night of June 11, 2024. The incident occurred in the 800 block of West Garfield Boulevard, near the border of the New City and Englewood neighborhoods, as well as in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Magby was driving a Chevy Malibu when a silver SUV approached and someone inside opened fire.
The gunshot wound to her upper back caused her to lose control of the vehicle, which subsequently crashed into a Volkswagen Jetta in the 5400 block of South Halsted Street. Magby was found unresponsive at the crash scene and was taken to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
A 19-year-old passenger in Magby’s vehicle sustained facial lacerations and was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The driver and passenger of the Jetta, a 43-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, respectively, suffered minor injuries and were also taken to the hospital in good condition.
Cyra Magby was a recent graduate of Englewood STEM High School, class of 2023, and was known for her kind-hearted nature and athletic abilities. She had started a new security job on the day of her death and was described by her family and friends as a sweetheart who would do anything for others. Magby was particularly devoted to her autistic brother, whom she helped with daily tasks such as getting ready for school and picking him up after work.
The silver SUV from which the shots were fired fled the scene northbound, and as of the current date, no one is in custody. Chicago police have gathered some details about the SUV, including its license plate number, and are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
Magby’s family and friends are deeply grieving her loss, expressing their shock and sadness over the senseless act of violence. Her family highlighted her positive contributions to the community and her bright future, which was cut short. The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago, with Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasizing the need for long-term investments to address this problem.