A fatal shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois claimed the life of a mother of five on the morning of January 18. Kiara Jenkins, 36, was on her way to her local church when she was fatally shot.
Jenkins’ body was discovered in an alley near her residence on the 6400 block of South Drexel Avenue at around 4:30 a.m. She had sustained multiple bullet wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was due to turn 37 on January 25, 2026, a week after the tragic incident.
Living on the same block where the shooting occurred, Jenkins was en route to a 5 a.m. service at Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church when the incident happened. Church members reported that she was a regular at the early service and had been a member of the congregation her entire life.
The brutal act has left Jenkins’ five children, ages ranging from 10 to college-aged, without a mother. Her eldest child, in a conversation with ABC7, shared that the family is trying to support one another during this difficult time.
Jenkins was known by her community as a dedicated mother who was deeply committed to her faith. She was also described as a warm and helpful person by those who knew her.
Michael Adams, a neighbor, remembered Jenkins as a friendly individual. The vicinity of the incident was heavily patrolled by the police following the shooting, with the area cordoned off with police tape.
A witness reported hearing shots followed by a car alarm going off, as if the panic button on a car key was being pressed, around the time of the shooting.
The incident took place in Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s 20th Ward. In a statement, Taylor expressed, “Her children are now left without their mother. No words can lessen that pain, but it is important to say clearly that her life had value and her family deserves support, compassion and justice.”
Area One detectives are currently probing the homicide. The motive for the shooting remains unclear. As of now, no suspects are in custody and none have been identified. Both the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office are participating in the investigation.
Chicago Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the person behind Jenkins’ murder. The organization is urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Chicago police.
Jenkins’ dedication to her children was evident to those who knew her, and her regular attendance at church was a testament to her deeply-rooted values.
The congregation at Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church is grieving the loss. Members are at a loss as to why someone would target a woman known for her kindness and generosity. Her death has left a void in the faith community where she was a vital part.
Jenkins’ children face a challenging future as they come to terms with the loss of their mother. The youngest child, in particular, will have to grapple with growing up without a mother who was a significant part of daily life. Support from the community, especially from the church where Jenkins was a member, will be crucial as the family deals with their loss.
