On February 4, 2026, the Auburn Gresham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side experienced a horrifying midday ambush that claimed the life of 26-year-old Gabryel Gnia Ayres, known to friends and family as “Gabby.” What began as a routine afternoon outing for the young mother ended in a hail of gunfire at the intersection of 79th Street and South May Street, leaving the community not only in mourning but increasingly unsettled by revelations from those who knew her best.
Gabby was remembered by neighbors as the epitome of quiet decency. Living in a modest home nearby, she was the polite young woman who always waved hello, kept her yard tidy, and spoke softly when greeting people on the block. “She wasn’t the type to cause trouble,” one longtime resident told local reporters after the shooting. “Always calm, always smiling. You never worried about her.” Another neighbor described her as a devoted mother who doted on her infant daughter, often seen pushing a stroller or carrying the baby gently while running errands.
That afternoon, just minutes before tragedy struck, Gabby stepped out of her home to join her boyfriend in their white Chevy sedan. The couple’s 14-month-old daughter was already secured in the back seat. As Gabby approached the car, she paused and turned back toward the house. According to accounts shared by neighbors who overheard or were later told by family, she uttered five cryptic words in a strangely composed tone: words that now replay endlessly in the minds of those who heard them. Though the exact phrase remains closely guarded by grieving relatives and investigators—described only as “haunting” and “unexplainable”—it carried an eerie weight, as if she sensed an impending danger. Her voice was steady, almost resigned, lacking the usual cheer. Neighbors who witnessed this final exchange say it felt off—out of character for the typically upbeat Gabby. “She said it like she knew,” one said, voice trembling. “Like goodbye, but not the kind you say every day.”
At approximately 1:25 p.m., as the sedan pulled away, a red SUV—possibly an Alfa Romeo based on witness descriptions—raced up behind them. Three to four masked suspects in black clothing emerged, sprinting toward the vehicle and unleashing a ferocious barrage. Cellphone video captured from a nearby truck shows the attackers firing relentlessly, more than 50 shell casings later recovered from the scene. Bullets tore through the passenger side where Gabby sat, striking her multiple times across her body. The driver, her 27-year-old boyfriend (reported in some online circles under the alias “Skumoneyy” or Devin Draper), was hit in the arm and buttocks but managed to stay conscious long enough for the car to veer and crash into a parked GMC van. Miraculously, not a single bullet struck the baby girl in the rear seat. First responders found her still strapped in, unharmed but crying amid the chaos—shell casings scattered around her car seat, one even resting near her tiny hand holding a lollipop.
Gabby was rushed to Little Company of Mary Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her godfather, Kirk Bell, confirmed the details in emotional interviews, calling the survival of the infant “a miracle” and “God’s protection.” The boyfriend survived and was listed in stable condition, though questions swirl online about his possible role—some social media users point to reports that he may have shared his real-time location publicly shortly before the attack, potentially drawing danger.
No arrests have been made as of February 7, 2026. Chicago Police Department investigators from the Gresham District (6th) describe it as a targeted shooting, with evidence suggesting the assailants doubled back to ensure hits. A $10,000 reward from Cook County Crime Stoppers and additional community offers urge tips via cpdtip.com. Private security footage from homes along the escape route has provided key leads on the suspects’ movements, but identities remain elusive.
The neighborhood’s grief is compounded by those five final words. Neighbors gather in small groups, replaying the moment: Gabby’s calm demeanor, the pause, the phrase spoken like a quiet premonition. “It doesn’t feel random anymore,” one said. “She knew something—or someone— was coming for her.” Speculation ranges from personal disputes to broader gang-related retaliation, especially given the brazen execution-style attack in broad daylight near a police-heavy area and St. Sabina Parish.
On February 6, a prayer vigil at St. Sabina drew hundreds, including officers from the 6th District who held a roll call at the intersection in solidarity. Rev. Michael Pfleger and community leaders condemned the violence, while Mayor Brandon Johnson attended and spoke: “Tragedy continues to tear at the thread of the soul of Chicago.” He highlighted efforts to remove illegal guns but acknowledged ongoing challenges from firearms flowing in from surrounding areas. The mayor pledged continued mental health and victim services.
Social media erupted with outrage and heartbreak. Videos of the shooting circulated widely, sparking debates about gun violence, reckless online sharing, and accountability. Many expressed fury at the audacity of firing automatic weapons midday with a child present. Tributes poured in for Gabby—a hairstylist, loving mother, and vibrant soul whose obituary read: “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.”
Her daughter’s survival stands as a bittersweet beacon. Untouched by bullets, she now faces life without her mother. Family members vow to protect her fiercely, honoring Gabby’s memory. Neighbors, still shaken by those five words, wonder if they held a warning ignored or a farewell foreseen. As candles flicker at the makeshift memorial at 79th and May—flowers, photos, and signs piling up—the question lingers: Did Gabby sense the end approaching? In Auburn Gresham, the answer feels chillingly close, yet justice remains out of reach.
The intersection, once ordinary, now bears silent witness to loss and unanswered questions. The community demands answers, clinging to hope that tips, footage, or conscience will bring the masked gunmen to light. For Gabby’s loved ones, the pain is raw; for her neighbors, the haunting echo of those final words ensures this tragedy will not fade quietly.
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