On February 25, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred at Pottawattomie Park in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Keyonce Gladney from Chaska, Minnesota. Keyonce and her sister, Keilaysia Gladney, 22, were visiting Chicago and had gathered at the park with two other friends. Around 3:30 p.m., two individuals, one wearing a ski mask, entered the park and opened fire on the group behind the fieldhouse.
Keyonce Gladney was shot in the chest and was taken to Ascension Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, where she was pronounced dead. Her sister, Keilaysia, was shot in the foot and was treated at the hospital, where she was expected to recover. Two other men, ages 19 and 20, were also shot; the 19-year-old was hit in the hip, and the 20-year-old was shot in the forehead. Both men were reported to be in good condition.
The shooting is believed to have been targeted, with authorities suggesting that the intended targets were the two men who were wounded. However, Keyonce and her sister were not identified as intended targets.
Keyonce Gladney was a student at Hennepin Tech in Minnesota, where she was studying to become a paramedic and a foster parent. She was described by her family as strong-minded, smart, and talented, with a strong sense of humor and faith. Her family held a balloon release in a Chaska park to honor her memory and are seeking justice for her death.
As of the initial reports, no one was in custody in connection with the shooting. However, on April 4, 2024, a 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder in relation to the incident. He was apprehended in the 5900 block of North Glenwood Avenue and had an initial court appearance following his arrest.
