On December 2, 2024, at approximately 2:10 p.m., a mass shooting occurred during a birthday party in the 3500 block of West 59th Street in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood. The gathering featured a performance by a renowned DJ from Venezuela. During the event, an assailant or assailants opened fire, resulting in eight people being shot. The victims, all Hispanic and aged between 20 and 35, included four men and four women.
Tragically, three men succumbed to their injuries.
Cook County Crime Stoppers identified them as 32-year-old Osmer Angel Ferrer Oria, 26-year-old Hector Victor Miguel Sojo Vargas, and 28-year-old Jhan Carlos Blanquissett. Blanquissett was previously identified as Jon Carlos Blancarcer.
The five surviving victims sustained various injuries. A 25-year-old man was shot in the left thigh and transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition. A 27-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition. A 31-year-old man with an abdominal gunshot wound self-transported to UI Health Hospital, where he was listed in good condition. A 21-year-old woman, shot in the groin, also self-transported to UI Health Hospital and was in good condition. A 24-year-old woman sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her shoulder, hips, and thighs and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.
As of December 26, 2024, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. In an effort to encourage public assistance, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification, location, and apprehension of those responsible. This reward is in addition to the previously announced Cook County Crime Stoppers reward, bringing the total to $20,000. ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon described the crime as "brazen and unthinkable," especially occurring in the middle of the afternoon during the holiday season.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to bring those responsible to justice.
