CHICAGO, IL – A 16-year-old girl was fatally stabbed in Chicago’s Loop district on Tuesday night, according to local law enforcement. The incident occurred around 11:28 p.m. on the first block of Van Buren Street. Despite initial reports on Thursday morning that charges had been filed against a suburban woman, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office later clarified that no charges had been filed.
The victim, identified as Heaven Taylor from the Chatham neighborhood, was reportedly part of a group that got into a dispute with another group. An unidentified female from the opposing group allegedly stabbed Taylor twice in the chest before fleeing the scene. Taylor was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition. It was at that hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
The area under the L tracks, where the incident took place, was cordoned off by detectives who placed several evidence markers in the middle of the street. Residents in the vicinity have expressed growing concerns about their safety, citing frequent gatherings of large groups and ensuing fights.
Ella Pinckney, a resident of an apartment building overlooking the block, witnessed the attack. She described the noise from the street fights as a common occurrence. Another resident, Chante Tucker, was awakened by the loud arguing that night. Tucker also expressed concern about the increasing crime rate in the area, stating that many Columbia College students living nearby are frightened.
The fatal stabbing took place behind Pritzker Park. Fourth Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson reported receiving numerous complaints from residents and business owners about fights in the area. In response, the park has started closing earlier in the evening to deter crime. Robinson is also working with the mayor’s office and the Chicago Police Department to increase police presence and install surveillance cameras in the area.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Police are currently reviewing footage from several surveillance cameras in the area to identify the perpetrator.