Kiara Jenkins, Chicago Mother of Five, Shot Dead While Walking to Church in Woodlawn; $10K Reward Offered

Chicago, Illinois — Authorities are searching for the person responsible for the fatal shooting of a Chicago mother of five who was killed while walking to church in the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood early Sunday morning.

Kiara Jenkins, 36, was shot multiple times around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 17, in an alley behind her home near 64th Street and Drexel Avenue, according to Chicago police. Jenkins was pronounced dead after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

At the time of the shooting, Jenkins was on foot and heading to Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she regularly attended the 5 a.m. service, church members told ABC7 Chicago.

Illinois authorities have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Jenkins’ death. As of now, no suspect or motive has been identified.

“This was a senseless act of violence that never should have happened,” 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor said in a statement. “This tragedy has shaken our community deeply. Her children are now left without their mother.”

“No words can lessen that pain,” Taylor added, “but it is important to say clearly that her life had value and her family deserves support, compassion, and justice.”

Members of the Woodlawn church community said they were devastated by Jenkins’ death and struggled to understand why anyone would target a woman known for her kindness and dedication to others.

Those who knew Jenkins described her as warm, welcoming, and deeply committed to both her faith and her children. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she was known as someone who consistently showed up for others and made people feel supported.

“She always poured into others,” one church member said. “She was there for people.”

Neighbors in the area also expressed shock. Michael Adams, who recently moved to the block a few doors down from Jenkins’ home, said he did not know her personally but remembered her as friendly and kind.

“She spoke every time she saw us,” Adams said. “She just seemed like a nice lady.”

Adams said the neighborhood was quiet when he left for church that morning, but when he returned later in the day, the area was filled with police activity.

“It was just chaos,” he said. “They had everything wrapped up in tape everywhere.”

Jenkins leaves behind five children, ranging in age from 10 years old to a college freshman. One of her children told ABC7 the family is trying to support one another as they process the loss.

The investigation is being handled by Chicago Police Area One detectives. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search for the shooter continues.