A 29-year-old mother of six was fatally shot in the South Shore neighborhood early Sunday morning Feb. 2, 2025, just days after celebrating her birthday.
Jamiah Taylor, known to her social media followers as “Maya to Batty,” was found shot in the chest on the 1800 block of East 79th Street around 5 a.m. on Feb. 4, 2024. She was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and community in shock.
Taylor, who had turned 29 on Feb. 1, was out celebrating her birthday when the shooting occurred. Her mother, Anita Whitehorn, described her daughter as a loving parent, a hard worker, and a kind-hearted person who always helped others.
“She was a wonderful person. A good parent. Everything about her was good,” Whitehorn said, struggling to come to terms with the loss. “Why would they do this to my baby? I just don’t understand.”
Taylor worked two jobs—one in retail and another as a security guard—to support her six children, who range in age from 11 months to 12 years old. Her family is now grappling with the devastating reality of raising her children without her.
“What are my grandbabies going to do? They don’t understand what’s really going on. And it’s going to be hard that their mom is not here,” Whitehorn added.
Community and Family in Mourning
Taylor’s death has left her family and friends heartbroken. Relatives remember her as a vibrant and caring individual who was deeply devoted to her children. Her social media presence, where she connected with a large following, reflected her lively personality and dedication to her family.
Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide but have not made any arrests. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for Taylor and her family.
The incident has reignited concerns about gun violence in Chicago, particularly in the South Shore neighborhood. Community leaders and advocates are calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of violence and provide support for families affected by such tragedies.
Taylor’s family is left with unanswered questions and the immense challenge of moving forward without her. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support her children.
