Chicago, IL – The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially identified 29-year-old Jamia Taylor, also known as “Mya,” as the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Authorities are actively searching for two individuals identified as persons of interest in the case: 35-year-old Terri Lashae Bailey, who also goes by the alias Kitana Brooks, and 30-year-old Terrence Reed, known by the street name Tskud. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to come forward with any information regarding their whereabouts, as the search intensifies for those responsible for Taylor’s tragic death.

The Fatal Shooting: A Night of Celebration Turns Deadly

The fatal shooting took place at approximately 5:25 a.m., just outside an after-hours venue near 79th Street and Bennett Avenue in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. According to law enforcement reports, Taylor, a mother of six, had been attending a gathering with friends to celebrate her birthday, which occurred just days prior.

Eyewitnesses reported that the atmosphere at the party had been festive throughout the night. However, as the event continued into the early morning, tensions reportedly began to rise between certain attendees. Surveillance footage and witness statements suggest that an argument erupted near the venue’s entrance, escalating quickly into a violent confrontation.

Multiple sources indicate that Taylor was involved in or near this altercation when gunfire suddenly rang out. Witnesses described seeing Taylor collapse onto the pavement as panicked partygoers scattered in different directions, some taking cover behind parked vehicles and others running for their lives.

First Responders and Emergency Medical Efforts

Upon receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire, officers from the Chicago Police Department’s 3rd District were dispatched to the scene. When officers arrived, they found Taylor unresponsive in the middle of the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and body.

Emergency medical personnel from the Chicago Fire Department quickly transported Taylor to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was rushed into emergency surgery. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her official time of death was recorded at 6:13 a.m.

Who Are the Suspects? Authorities Zero In on Persons of Interest

As the investigation unfolds, authorities have identified Terri Lashae Bailey and Terrence Reed as persons of interest in the case. Both individuals have extensive criminal records and are known to law enforcement for their past involvement in violent crimes and gang-related activity.

Terri Lashae Bailey (Kitana Brooks)

Bailey, 35, has a documented history of assault, illegal firearm possession, and narcotics-related offenses. She is considered armed and dangerous. Sources close to the investigation suggest that Bailey may have had a personal dispute with Taylor, which could have led to the deadly confrontation. However, authorities have yet to determine the precise nature of their relationship.

Terrence Reed (Tskud)

Reed, 30, is an alleged gang affiliate who has been previously arrested for aggravated battery, carjacking, and weapons violations. Authorities believe he may have been present at the scene and potentially involved in the shooting. He is also considered extremely dangerous.

Community Outrage and Mourning

The tragic death of Jamia Taylor, a mother of six young children, has sent shockwaves through the South Shore community. Friends and family have expressed their devastation over her loss, remembering her as a loving mother, devoted daughter, and a woman who brought joy to those around her.

“She had the biggest heart,” said Taylor’s cousin, Shanice Robinson. “No matter what, she always made sure her kids were taken care of. They were her world.”

Taylor’s six children, the youngest of whom is just under a year old, are now left without their mother. Family members have stepped in to care for them in the wake of her tragic passing. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support her children and cover funeral expenses.

Investigation and Public Appeal

Detectives from the Chicago Police Department’s Area 4 Homicide Unit are spearheading the investigation. They are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, interviewing witnesses, and gathering forensic evidence from the crime scene.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Those with details can submit tips anonymously via CPD’s tip line at CPDTIP.COM or contact the Chicago Police Department directly at (312) 744-8261.

As the search for Bailey and Reed continues, police have emphasized that harboring or assisting fugitives is a criminal offense and that anyone found aiding the suspects will face legal consequences.

A City Grappling With Gun Violence

Taylor’s murder is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the gun violence epidemic that continues to plague Chicago’s South Side. The city has experienced a surge in violent crimes, with statistics from the Chicago Police Department indicating a 10% increase in homicides compared to the previous year.

Community activists and local leaders have renewed calls for increased police presence, stricter gun control measures, and more funding for violence prevention programs.

“We cannot continue to lose our young people to senseless violence,” said Alderman Leslie Hairston. “We need to come together as a community and demand justice for Jamia and every other innocent life taken too soon.”

Memorial Services and Candlelight Vigil

In honor of Taylor’s memory, a candlelight vigil has been planned for Saturday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m. The vigil will take place near the site of the shooting on 79th Street and Bennett Avenue. Friends, family, and community members are expected to attend, bringing candles, balloons, and flowers in remembrance of Taylor’s life.

Additionally, funeral services are currently being arranged, with details to be released by the family in the coming days.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Jamia Taylor

As Taylor’s family and loved ones mourn her tragic and untimely death, law enforcement officials remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

The hunt for Terri Lashae Bailey (Kitana Brooks) and Terrence Reed (Tskud) is ongoing, and authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for Taylor and her grieving family.

This remains an active and developing story. Further updates will be provided as new details emerge.

Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.