On a summer morning, August 22, 2025, the vibrant community of Chicago’s West Side was shattered by a devastating act of violence. In the 3900 block of West Gladys Avenue, near the intersection of Pulaski Road, a 27-year-old mother of nine, identified only as Janae, was fatally shot. The incident, reported at approximately 6:45 a.m., sent shockwaves through the North Lawndale neighborhood, leaving a family broken and a community grappling with yet another senseless loss.
Janae was a woman whose life was defined by love and resilience. As a devoted mother, she poured her heart into raising her nine children, ages ranging from infancy to early teens, in a city often marked by challenges. Friends and neighbors described her as a pillar of strength, a woman who balanced the demands of motherhood with an unwavering commitment to her family’s well-being. “She was the kind of person who lit up a room,” a close friend recalled, her voice heavy with grief. “Janae was always there for her kids, no matter what. She had dreams for them, dreams for a better life.”
The morning of the tragedy began like any other. Janae was reportedly outside her home when gunfire erupted. According to Chicago police, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert and 911 calls reporting shots fired. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Janae unresponsive, struck by multiple gunshots. Despite the swift response of paramedics, she was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital shortly after. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed her identity, though few details about the circumstances of the shooting were immediately released.
Investigators believe the shooting may have been targeted, though no suspects were in custody as of the latest reports. The Chicago Police Department’s Area Four detectives are leading the investigation, combing through surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events that led to Janae’s death. A police spokesperson noted that the incident appeared to be isolated, but the motive—whether personal, gang-related, or otherwise—remains unclear. The absence of immediate answers only deepens the pain for those who knew and loved her.
Janae’s story is one of both joy and struggle. Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, she grew up in a neighborhood where hope often battles hardship. Despite the challenges, she found purpose in her children. Her eldest, a 13-year-old daughter, was said to be her mother’s confidante, while her youngest, a toddler, brought endless laughter to their home. Janae was known for her infectious smile and her ability to find light in the darkest moments. She dreamed of moving her family to a safer neighborhood, where her children could grow up free from the specter of violence that has long plagued parts of Chicago.
The tragedy has left Janae’s family in unimaginable grief. Her children, now without their mother, are being cared for by relatives as the community rallies to support them. A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now marks the spot where Janae took her final breath, a poignant reminder of a life cut short. Neighbors gathered at the site in the days following the shooting, holding a vigil to honor her memory. “She didn’t deserve this,” one mourner said, tears streaming down her face. “No mother should have to leave her babies like this.”
Chicago’s West Side has seen its share of violence, with 2025 marking another year of grappling with gun-related tragedies. According to data from the Chicago Police Department, the city has seen a slight decline in homicides compared to previous years, but incidents like Janae’s death underscore the persistent challenges in certain neighborhoods. Community leaders are calling for renewed efforts to address the root causes of violence, from economic inequality to the proliferation of illegal firearms. “We can’t keep losing our people like this,” said a local pastor, who has organized support for Janae’s family. “This is a wake-up call for all of us.”
As the investigation continues, questions linger about what could have been done to prevent this tragedy. Janae’s death is not just a statistic—it is a profound loss of a woman who was the heart of her family and a beacon of hope in her community. Her children, now facing a future without their mother, are left with her love as their guiding light. The city of Chicago mourns with them, holding onto the memory of a woman whose life, though brief, was filled with purpose and love.
In the wake of this heartbreak, the community is coming together to ensure Janae’s legacy endures. Fundraisers have been launched to support her children, and local organizations are offering counseling to help them navigate their grief. For now, the corner of Pulaski and Gladys stands as a somber reminder of a life taken too soon, but also as a call to action—a plea for a future where no mother, no family, must endure such pain. Janae’s story, though marked by tragedy, is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love, a love that will live on in the hearts of her children and the community she called home.
