On October 26, 2023, 16-year-old Darius Folds and his 20-year-old sister, Ashiya Ogden, both from Chicago, were fatally shot in an apartment located in the 4100 block of Lindenwood Drive in Matteson, Illinois. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. during an argument between two women residing in the apartment. Darius sustained gunshot wounds to the head and chest, while Ashiya was shot in the head. Both were transported to St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields, where they succumbed to their injuries.
The suspect, 34-year-old Kephren Ferguson of Hammond, Indiana, was identified as the boyfriend of one of the roommates involved in the altercation. The victims were siblings of the other roommate. Ferguson was arrested at his residence without incident after a joint operation by the Hammond Police Department SWAT and the Matteson Police Department. He faces two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder and is awaiting extradition to Cook County.
In the wake of this tragedy, their mother, Tina M. Ogden, initiated a fundraising campaign to cover funeral expenses and support the family during this difficult time. She described Ashiya as strong, outgoing, determined, funny, and loving, noting that she was set to graduate high school in January 2024. The loss of both children has left the family and community in profound grief.
