'Heinous, reckless, senseless': 12-year-old Chicago girl shot in head leaving her birthday party
CHICAGO - A 12-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she was shot Tuesday night in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood.
Police said she had just celebrated her birthday with family, and was riding in the backseat of their car when gunshots rang out on the street.
On Wednesday, the child remained in critical condition at Comer Children’s Hospital. As the search for the gunman continues, her family is praying for a miracle.
"Her parents are still upstairs at her bedside. She is still in very critical condition," said Andrew Holmes, community activist.
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On Tuesday, what began as a joyous celebration ended in tragedy on Chicago's South Side.
Just before 8 p.m., the child was riding in a car with her family after her own birthday dinner when gunshots erupted in the 2300 block of West 72nd Street. The young girl, who was sitting in the backseat, was shot in the head.
"The Chicago Police Department will bring the full force of this department to solve this crime," said Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown.
As of Wednesday evening, police were still searching for the shooter.
"This was heinous, reckless, senseless and the gangs involved – and you know who you are – we’re coming after you," said Brown.
Holmes, a community activist and crisis responder with Chicago Survivors, was overcome with sorrow Wednesday while discussing the incident.
He is calling for harsher gun violence penalties.
"We need help," said Holmes. "Put these shooters where they’re supposed to be – locked up. This baby shouldn’t be up in here."
Holmes is asking anyone with information about this shooting to speak up. He is also encouraging anyone who lives in the area where this unfolded to check their Ring doorbell and surveillance cameras for possible evidence.
"You have a responsibility as a citizen to give up information on who discharged this weapon on this baby," said Holmes.
CPD is offering up a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction.
Tips can be reported anonymously at CPDtip.com.