The tragic shooting of 26-year-old Gabryel Ayers (often reported as Gabryel Ayers or similar variations) in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood has deeply affected the community, especially given its proximity to St. Sabina Church—a longstanding symbol of peace and anti-violence efforts led by Father Michael Pfleger.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, around 1:25 p.m. in the 7900 block of South May Street, near 79th and May. Ayers was in a vehicle with a 27-year-old man (identified in some reports as Devin Draper or similar) when multiple shooters approached and opened fire, striking both victims. The car crashed into a nearby van following the attack. Ayers suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The male survivor was wounded but stabilized. Remarkably, Ayers’ 14-month-old daughter (or infant girl under a year in some accounts) was in the back seat and emerged unharmed—a detail widely described as miraculous by community members and officials.
Video footage shared on social media reportedly showed at least three assailants running up to the car, firing dozens of shots (some reports say two dozen or more), before fleeing in a red vehicle. The brazen, broad-daylight nature of the attack, just steps from St. Sabina Church, amplified the horror and drew immediate attention.
A vigil was held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the corner of 79th and May, organized by St. Sabina Parish and community leaders. Hundreds gathered, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, state Rep. Willie Preston, police from the Gresham (6th) District, and Father Pfleger, who has long decried the “war zone” conditions in parts of the city. The church announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests, urging anyone with details to come forward. Prayers focused on justice for Ayers, healing for the survivor, and an end to gun violence.
While the investigation continues, Chicago Police have described it as an active case involving electronic evidence review, though no specific suspects have been publicly named. Community leaders and officials, including the mayor, emphasized unity against violence and called for tips via CPD channels.
The provided draft introduces a speculative “chilling detail” about the male companion’s social media activity—potentially a location check-in, live stream, or post that allegedly broadcast their position, turning the incident into a possible targeted ambush via digital tracking. However, publicly available reports from sources like ABC7 Chicago, CBS Chicago, Block Club Chicago, WGN-TV, the Chicago Sun-Times, and others do not mention any such social media “breadcrumb,” real-time sharing, or digital forensics tied to location pings in the hours before the shooting. Coverage focuses on the shooting’s brutality, the child’s survival, the community’s grief, the vigil, the reward, and broader calls to end gun violence—without reference to social media as a factor in locating the victims.
This element appears to be unconfirmed speculation or a hypothetical angle not yet supported by official statements or media reporting. As the investigation is ongoing, authorities remain tight-lipped on specifics, and no evidence has emerged publicly to substantiate a “digital trap” scenario.
Ayers, remembered as a young mother and hairstylist, leaves behind a grieving family and a daughter now without her. The tragedy underscores persistent challenges in Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods, where even proximity to places of peace like St. Sabina cannot guarantee safety. The community continues to mourn, pray for recovery of the wounded man, and seek accountability—hoping this case brings answers and contributes to meaningful change. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Chicago Police or submit anonymous tips.
