Jonylah Watkins killed in Chicago
A 6-month-old infant who was shot five times in Chicago has succumbed to her injuries. Jonylah Watkins was taken to the city’s Comer Children’s Hospital Monday after someone fired upon a Chevrolet minivan. Her father, Jonathan Watkins, was changing her diaper in the front passenger seat of the vehicle when a gunman approached and opened fire.
Baby Jonylah was hit in her lung, liver, leg, shoulder and bowel and underwent five hours of surgery. Accoriding to the Chicago Tribune however, attempts to save the child were unsuccessful.
“This morning, the baby passed away,” the Rev. Corey Brooks told the newspaper. “We have another tragedy in the city of Chicago.” Reverend Brooks is acting as a spokesperson for the family.
Jonylah’s father remains in criticial condition after receiving gunshot wounds to the side and buttocks and a graze wound to the cheek.
News of the infant’s shooting death comes after a wave of violence in the Midwestern city.
In February, 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was killed just days after performing at President Obama’s inauguration raising the city’s death toll to 42 for 2013. Prior to that, 19-year-old Ulysses “Chris” Gissendanner III, the stepbrother of rapper Chief Keef, was fatally shot in the back of the head.
This story is still developing ... –danielle canada
