Aspiring Chicago rapper shot dead during filming of music video

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Chicago Police continue to search for the gunman in a fatal shooting that took place during the filming of a rap music video. The incident happened after 2 a.m. Tuesday morning in Foster Park in the city's Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

Police say 23-year-old Damond Dawson, known as "Thugga," was shot in the back of the head and died on the scene, and another four people were injured.

A 19-year-old woman was shot twice in the groin and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was listed in serious condition, Gaines said.

Three more people who were also injured in the shooting later showed up at Christ Medical Center, Gaines said. A 20-year-old man was shot nine times in the leg and shoulder; a 25-year-old man suffered a graze wound to the leg; and an 18-year-old man suffered a graze wound to the back. Their conditions have all stabilized.

The group was in the South Side park shooting a music video when police say someone came up to the group and started firing.

“I don't know what inspired them to go up there last night,” said Dawson’s aunt, Angela Mathis-Tate. “It’s going to keep happening, this is not going to stop, I don't know what they are going to do to stop this.”

Mathis-Tate said she grew up around Foster Park and that during the daytime it's safe to hang out, but once night falls she warned her nephews at an early age to get out.  

“Every time he used to leave my store I would say, ‘Make sure you are not going up to that park, stay away from Foster Park," said Mathis-Tate.

The park is a hub of activity, especially in the summer. The baseball fields fill up with a kids’ league and the recreation center hosts activities like water aerobics to sewing classes.

Neighbors say they won't live in fear, though. 

“Even if it was late, I feel like it still should have been safe, it still should have been safe outside,” said Rariel Buckner, who grew up in the area.

“It doesn't make sense at all to me. It doesn't matter whether it's at a park or anywhere else for that matter,” said Renee Green, who was hitting the rec-center Tuesday afternoon.

Mathis-Tate said her nephews always listened to her about Foster Park after dark, until last night. Now, she has a warning for other parents.

“Try to get them in the house early, every day, but what God has in plan who knows - you don't know what's around the corner for you,” she said.

Parts of the shooting may have been recorded on video, according to rapper Foreign Lyfe. That video has been turned over to police.

Police say the shooting may be gang related and that they have no motive or suspects at this time.