A 26-year-old hairstylist and mother, Gabryel “Gabby” Ayres, was killed in a brazen daylight shooting in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood on February 4, 2026.
At least three gunmen unleashed more than 50 rounds into the vehicle she was driving, killing her.
Miraculously, her infant daughter—secured in a car seat in the backseat—emerged physically unharmed, though the scene was described by family as a “miracle amid horror.”
The attack unfolded around 1:25 p.m. in the 7900 block of South May Street, near 79th Street and close to St. Sabina Catholic Church.
According to Chicago Police Department reports and witness accounts, three masked gunmen exited a red Alfa Romeo and opened fire on Ayres’ white Chevrolet sedan. The vehicle contained Ayres, a 27-year-old male passenger (who was wounded but conscious), and her baby girl (under one year old). Ayres attempted to flee, but the sedan crashed into a brown GMC van after she was struck multiple times.
Over 50 shell casings littered the scene, indicating the use of high-capacity magazines or modified firearms. The suspects fled westbound in their vehicle. Ayres was rushed to Little Company of Mary Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
The male passenger was transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and is expected to recover. The van driver declined medical treatment.
Ayres’ godfather, Pastor Kirk Bell, expressed profound grief and outrage:
“What’s the purpose of shooting at a car when you know there’s a child in the car? That doesn’t make any sense… These animals have no value for life.”
He called for stronger action against gun violence in the city. A local violence interrupter noted the brazen nature of the attack:
“This happened at 1:25 in the afternoon. Kids are in school, elders are walking to the store. For someone to let off 50 rounds in broad daylight shows they have no fear of consequences.”
The infant was taken to a hospital for precautionary observation and released into family custody. Social media tributes have poured in, with Ayres remembered as a talented hairstylist and devoted mother through photos of her work and family life. Hashtags like #JusticeForGabby have emerged online.
Chicago Police Area Two detectives are investigating, reviewing ShotSpotter data, canvassing for surveillance footage from POD cameras, private systems, and Ring doorbells, and analyzing ballistics via NIBIN.
No arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear—possibilities include targeted hit, mistaken identity, or road rage. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to arrests. Tips can be submitted anonymously at cpdtip.com or by calling Area Two Detectives at (312) 747-8271.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about gun violence in Auburn Gresham, a South Side community long plagued by such tragedies despite broader citywide homicide reductions in recent years.
