CHICAGO, IL – A 10-year-old girl was injured in her bedroom when a stray bullet from outside pierced through her West Englewood residence on Thursday night, according to local law enforcement. The child was visiting her grandmother’s home when the incident occurred.
The young girl was engaged in play with her brother and cousin in a rear bedroom around 11 p.m. when the bullet came through the window. The house is located on the 6400-block of South Racine Avenue in the West Englewood district. Community members described the victim as a pleasant and kind-hearted child. She is a student at Perkins Bass Elementary, her grandmother confirmed.
The neighboring house, owned by Willie Williams, was also struck by the gunfire. Williams expressed his concern, stating, “For the kid’s safety, it doesn’t make any sense.” He revealed that at least one bullet had hit his 9-year-old daughter’s bedroom, who was fortunately not present at the time. Williams added that it was additionally horrifying that the young girl experienced this kind of tragedy despite how innocent she is.
In a separate incident hours later, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the back in the South Shore neighborhood. The police reported that the boy was walking on the sidewalk around 3 a.m. when an unidentified individual opened fire.
Both young victims are currently receiving treatment at Comer’s Children’s Hospital. The 14-year-old boy is reported to be in fair condition, while the 10-year-old girl is in serious condition. However, her grandmother assured that she is also doing well.