Chicago police have released a major update in the tragic February 4, 2026, shooting that killed 26-year-old mother Gabryel “Gabby” Ayres in broad daylight on the South Side. What was initially viewed as a targeted attack or random act of violence has taken a stunning turn: newly revealed ties between Ayres’ brother and the suspected gunmen have upended assumptions about the case, leaving the Auburn Gresham community terrified and stunned.
The shooting occurred around 1:25 p.m. in the 7900 block of South May Street, near 79th Street and St. Sabina Church. Three masked men approached a white sedan occupied by Ayres, her 27-year-old boyfriend (the driver), and her 14-month-old daughter in the back seat. The assailants opened fire with rifles, unleashing more than 50 shots. The car crashed into a nearby van after the attack. Ayres was struck multiple times and rushed to OSF Little Company of Mary Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her boyfriend sustained wounds to his arm and backside but survived. Miraculously, the child in the backseat escaped injury entirely, a fact community leaders have called divine protection.
Initial reports described the incident as brazen and targeted, with police labeling it a possible retaliation or gang-related hit. The boyfriend’s survival and recovery offered hope for answers. After regaining consciousness, he provided critical details to detectives. His statement shifted the investigation dramatically: the primary target was not Ayres or her boyfriend, but someone closely connected to her family—specifically, her brother.
Police have now confirmed a direct link between Ayres’ brother and the alleged shooters. While the brother’s identity remains protected in public releases, sources indicate he had longstanding disputes or rivalries tied to local street activity in Auburn Gresham. The gunmen reportedly acted out of retaliation aimed at settling scores with him. Ayres, caught in the crossfire while riding with her boyfriend and child, became an unintended victim. The child’s unharmed survival amid such heavy gunfire has been cited as a near-miracle, with more than 50 evidence markers littering the scene.
This revelation has terrified the neighborhood. Auburn Gresham residents already live with persistent gun violence, and the idea that family ties could pull an innocent mother and baby into lethal danger has deepened fears. Community leaders, including Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, have called for calm while urging witnesses to come forward. A $10,000 reward from Crime Stoppers remains active for information leading to arrests.
A vigil at St. Sabina on February 6 drew hundreds, with Mayor Brandon Johnson attending and speaking of the city’s ongoing struggle with violence. “Tragedy continues to tear at the thread of the soul of Chicago,” he said, emphasizing mental health support and victim services. Police held a symbolic roll call at the intersection of 79th and May streets, showing solidarity and commitment to justice.
Ayres was remembered as a devoted hairstylist and mother whose life centered on her daughter. Her godfather, Kirk Bell, described her as full of life and love, devastated by her loss. The child now faces a future without her mother, supported by family and community efforts. A GoFundMe and other fundraisers have emerged to help with funeral costs and long-term care.
The boyfriend’s cooperation has been key. His wounds, though serious, allowed him to recover enough to speak, providing the breakthrough that redirected the probe. Police continue canvassing for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage, hoping to identify the three suspects who fled in a red vehicle after the attack.
The case underscores the devastating ripple effects of gun violence in Chicago. What began as a shocking daylight ambush has revealed deeper layers of conflict—family connections, retaliation, and the collateral toll on innocents. The public’s stunned reaction reflects both grief for Ayres and fear that such ties can turn everyday moments deadly.
As the investigation intensifies, the community demands accountability. The child’s survival offers a glimmer of hope amid tragedy, but the loss of Gabryel Ayres leaves a void that no update can fill. Police urge anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers at cpdtip.com. The truth, now emerging, has rewritten the story—and left everyone grappling with its chilling implications.
