Tragic Daylight Ambush in Auburn Gresham: Mother Gabryel Ayers Fatally Shot; Infant Daughter Miraculously Unharmed Amid Hail of Bullets

CHICAGO — A brazen, broad-daylight shooting in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood claimed the life of 26-year-old Gabryel “Gabby” Ayers (also reported as Ayres or Ayers) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, leaving her family devastated and the community reeling from yet another act of gun violence.

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Chicago shooting: 2 shot, Gabryel Ayers killed, baby unharmed in …

The incident unfolded around 1:25 p.m. in the 7900 block of South May Street, near St. Sabina Parish. According to Chicago Police Department reports and eyewitness accounts, Ayers was a passenger in a white sedan traveling with her 27-year-old boyfriend and their approximately 13- to 14-month-old daughter secured in a car seat in the back. Three masked gunmen, dressed in black from head to toe, approached the vehicle after it had come to a stop or slowed—video footage captured the attackers sprinting toward the car and unleashing a barrage of gunfire.

The assault was caught on witness video from a nearby truck, showing the gunmen firing relentlessly before fleeing. The victims’ sedan lost control and crashed into a GMC van parked nearby.

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Woman killed, man wounded in shooting on South Side of Chicago …

Police recovered more than 50 shell casings from the scene, with evidence markers indicating a high volume of shots—some reports describe the vehicle riddled with dozens of bullet holes.

Ayers suffered multiple gunshot wounds throughout her body and was transported to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her boyfriend sustained gunshot wounds to his buttocks, arm, and possibly other areas; he was taken to Christ Hospital and is reported in good or stable condition.

In a heartbreaking miracle amid the chaos, the couple’s infant daughter remained completely unharmed. Family members, including Ayers’ godfather Kirk Bell, a pastor, confirmed the baby was in the backseat during the attack. A police officer was seen carefully removing the child from the bullet-pocked car and carrying her to safety.

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Auburn Gresham double shooting leaves woman dead, man injured | WGN-TV

Bell spoke emotionally to media outlets about the loss: “These animals have no value for life… there’s a baby in the car.” He described Ayers as a devoted, loving mother whose world centered on her daughter, and expressed outrage over the senseless targeting that endangered an innocent child. Family and friends portray her as vibrant, protective, and deeply committed to her loved ones.

The attack appears targeted, though no motive has been publicly confirmed by authorities. No arrests have been made as of February 6, 2026, and no suspects are in custody. Chicago Police Area Detectives are leading the active investigation, reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and the viral video evidence.

chicago.suntimes.com

South Side Chicago shooting leaves man, 29, dead in Auburn Gresham …

Cook County Crime Stoppers announced a reward of up to $10,000 for anonymous tips leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible. Tips can be submitted online at p3tips.com or by calling 1-800-535-STOP.

This tragedy underscores the persistent plague of gun violence on Chicago’s South Side, where innocent bystanders—including young children—are too often caught in the crossfire of targeted disputes. Community leaders and residents have renewed urgent calls for action against illegal firearms, gang activity, and the cycle of retaliation that claims lives daily.

Online tributes and memorials pour in, with many highlighting the “miracle” of the baby’s survival as a symbol of hope amid grief. Ayers’ legacy endures through her daughter, who now faces life without her mother.

No further developments on suspects or charges were available early February 6, 2026. Police continue canvassing for additional witnesses.