In a heartbreaking and infuriating twist that has intensified outrage across Chicago and beyond, new revelations indicate that 26-year-old **Gabryel “Gabby” Ayres** was not the intended victim in the brutal daylight shooting that claimed her life on February 4, 2026. Instead, authorities and community sources point to her boyfriend — widely identified online as **Skumoneyy** (also spelled Sko Money or Skomuneyy) — as the primary target of the ambush-style attack in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The 27-year-old man, who was driving the white Chevrolet sedan at the time, survived gunshot wounds but has remained largely silent as speculation swirls about his alleged gang affiliations and recent social media activity that may have provoked the violence.
The shooting unfolded shortly after 1:25 p.m. in the 7900 block of South May Street, near the busy 79th Street corridor. Surveillance video and eyewitness accounts captured a horrifying scene: at least three to four armed suspects, dressed in dark clothing, approached the vehicle on foot or emerged from a red SUV. They unleashed a barrage of gunfire — with evidence markers indicating more than 50 shell casings on the ground, and some reports suggesting over 100 rounds fired in total. The attackers fled the scene rapidly, leaving the car riddled with bullets before it crashed into a nearby GMC van.
Gabryel Ayres, seated in the front passenger seat, was struck multiple times across her body. Despite heroic efforts by first responders, she was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Miraculously, the couple’s 14-month-old daughter, strapped securely in her car seat in the back, escaped without a single injury. Officers arriving on scene found the toddler still holding a lollipop, crying but physically unharmed — a detail that has fueled both tears and calls for divine protection amid the city’s relentless gun violence.
Skumoneyy, the driver, sustained wounds to his arm, buttocks, and back but was listed in stable condition at a hospital. Social media posts and street sources have linked him to affiliations with groups such as 8TS/BOG (allegedly tied to broader South Side gang dynamics), though police have not publicly confirmed any gang motive. What has stunned observers is the claim — circulated widely on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and street news pages — that Skumoneyy reportedly posted his location shortly before the attack, potentially alerting rivals to his whereabouts. A close associate or friend, speaking anonymously in viral clips and comments, allegedly revealed that ongoing beefs or disses posted online by Skumoneyy targeted opposing factions, setting the stage for retaliation.
One circulating narrative asserts: “He dropped his location just before the shooting… they were gunning for him, but Gabby caught the worst of it.” Other online commentary has been harsher, accusing him of recklessness for involving his family in dangerous territory. “Very inconsiderate considering his child and her mother was in the car with him knowing what he’s involved in,” read one widely shared Instagram comment. Counter-voices have pushed back, with some insisting the focus should remain on the shooters rather than victim-blaming the survivor or the deceased.
Mainstream media outlets, including ABC7 Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, and FOX 32, have identified the male victim as 27-year-old **Devin Draper**, describing him as a “friend” or companion in the vehicle rather than explicitly naming gang ties. The discrepancy between official reporting and street-level rumors highlights the challenges in covering Chicago’s violence, where social media often fills information gaps — sometimes accurately, sometimes with exaggeration or misinformation.
Gabryel Ayres, known affectionately as “Gabby” or “G.Nia” to loved ones, was remembered as a devoted mother, talented hairstylist, and vibrant young woman whose life centered on her daughter. Her obituary painted a picture of fierce, unconditional love: “At only 26 years old, Gabby’s life was taken in a moment of senseless violence, leaving behind a grief so heavy it echoes through her family, her friends, and the wider community.” Family members, including her godfather Kirk Bell, expressed profound shock and sorrow, emphasizing that she was “in the wrong place at the wrong time” through no fault of her own.
The Auburn Gresham community responded swiftly with grief and action. On February 6, hundreds gathered for a powerful vigil at 79th and May streets, organized by St. Sabina Church and led by Rev. Michael Pfleger. Mayor Brandon Johnson attended, delivering emotional remarks: “Tragedy continues to tear at the thread of the soul of Chicago.” Pfleger and others announced a combined reward — up to $20,000 from Cook County Crime Stoppers, St. Sabina, and others — for tips leading to arrests. “Don’t be silent,” leaders urged, pleading for witnesses to come forward despite fears of retaliation.
The brazen nature of the attack — in broad daylight, with dozens of rounds fired in a residential-commercial area — drew stark comparisons to war zones. One viral video description likened the scene to “Kabul in dystopia,” as shooters casually sprayed bullets at the occupied sedan. The getaway vehicle was reportedly found burned later, complicating the investigation.
As of February 8, 2026, no arrests have been made. Chicago Police Department detectives from the Gresham Area continue to review footage, ballistics, and statements. The case remains active, with authorities stressing that the child’s survival amid such chaos is nothing short of miraculous.
The revelation that Gabby may have died because she was simply beside the intended target has left many stunned and at a loss for words. It underscores the collateral damage of gang-related feuds in Chicago, where innocent bystanders — especially women and children — too often pay the ultimate price. Online discussions rage with questions: Why post locations when family is present? How many more lives must be lost before the cycle ends?
Gabryel Ayres’ family now focuses on raising her daughter, who will grow up without her mother’s embrace. Friends and strangers alike continue to share tributes, photos of Gabby smiling with her baby, and prayers for justice. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the human cost behind headlines — a young mother gone, a child forever changed, and a city still searching for peace.
