On Sunday morning, January 18, a woman was fatally shot in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, while on her way to her regular church service. The victim, Kiara Jenkins, was a mother of five.
Jenkins, 36, was discovered unresponsive in an alleyway behind her home in the 6400 block of South Drexel Avenue at around 4:30 a.m. She had sustained multiple gunshot injuries to her body and was declared dead at the location.
She was set to turn 37 on January 25, 2026, a date that fell tragically close to her untimely death.
According to members of her church, Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Jenkins was a regular attendee of the early morning service. The shooting took place as she was on her way to the 5 a.m. service. Jenkins was a lifelong member of the congregation and lived on the same block where the incident occurred.
Jenkins’ five children, ranging in age from 10 to a college freshman, are now without their mother. The eldest child shared with ABC7 that the family is banding together to cope with the tragic event.
Jenkins was known in her community as a loving, welcoming individual who was dedicated to her faith and her children. Her neighbors recall her willingness to assist others.
Michael Adams, a neighbor, echoed these sentiments, describing Jenkins as consistently friendly.
Following the shooting, the area was cordoned off with police tape, and law enforcement presence was heightened.
A resident reported hearing gunshots and a car alarm sounding during the early morning hours when the shooting took place.
The shooting fell within Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s 20th Ward. In a statement, Taylor said, “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.”
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and no suspects have been identified. Area One detectives are leading the investigation, with the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office also participating. As of now, no one is in custody.
Chicago Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the perpetrator’s arrest. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Chicago police.
Jenkins’ dedication to her children and her faith was well-known within her community. Her regular church attendance was a testament to the values she endeavored to instill in her family.
The Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church community is reeling from the loss. Congregation members cannot fathom why someone would take the life of a woman known for her generosity. The church is mourning the loss of an integral part of their faith community.
For Jenkins’ children, the ensuing days and weeks will be filled with sorrow as they come to terms with life without their mother. The youngest child, in particular, must confront the harsh reality of growing up without an actively involved parent. Support from the community and the church will be crucial as the family grapples with their devastating loss.