CHICAGO, IL – A popular end-of-summer block party shook the Chicago community after a sudden burst of violence that led to the death of 20-year-old Taniya Smith. The victim, affectionately known for her work as a youth mentor with the local organization Hood Heroes, was fatally shot on Sunday morning.
Her mother, Cherie Standfield, muttered through tears, “It feels like my heart is breaking in my chest,” expressing the acute pain of loss. She last saw her daughter alive at the block party, unaware of the tragic fate awaiting the beloved youth mentor.
The fatal incident occurred in the city’s Near North Side neighborhood around Frances Cabrini row-homes, where Smith was attending a large party. To her family’s disbelief, the shooting took place amongst many familiar faces from Smith’s childhood. “It’s just crazy that this happened in the place where she thought she was the most safest,” lamented Cherie.
According to the Chicago Police Department, an unknown attacker shot Smith in the chest, leading to her death. Video footage captured from a cellphone at the incident showed officers attempting to control the chaotic crowd during the incident. A police report stated that paramedics had to evacuate Smith through the crowd to reach an ambulance.
While no charges have been filed yet, video footage shows a man handcuffed and taken into custody at the scene.