Taniya Smith, a 20-year-old youth mentor with the group Hood Heroes, was shot and killed during a block club party on Chicago’s Near North Side over the weekend.
Smith, who dedicated her efforts to helping teenagers find summer jobs and positive activities, was at the Frances Cabrini rowhomes for an end-of-summer event when the tragic incident occurred.
Her mother, Cherie Stanfield, who had dropped Taniya off at the gathering, was devastated by the loss. “It feels like my heart is breaking in my chest,” Cherie said, reflecting on the profound impact her daughter had on the community.
The shooting happened early Sunday morning, and cell phone footage from the scene shows emergency responders struggling to attend to Smith as they carried her to an ambulance.
Smith’s dedication to youth was evident through her involvement with the By the Hand Club for Kids and her role with Hood Heroes.
Her aunt, Xiomara Stanfield, expressed sorrow over the loss, stating, “My niece does not deserve this.”
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For ongoing updates and more details, visit ABC 7 Chicago. At this time, police have not confirmed whether any charges have been filed in connection with the shooting.
