Kiara Jenkins killed in Woodlawn, Chicago shooting near 64th and Drexel while heading to Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
A Woodlawn church community is devastated over the loss of one of their beloved members. They say they have no idea why someone would take the life of a woman who always poured into others.
Those who knew Kiara Jenkins described her as a loving person who made others feel supported. The 36-year-old mother of five was devoted to her children and to her faith.
Jenkins was also a lifelong member of Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Woodlawn, where she was a welcoming presence, always ready to help others. Now, the church community is at a loss, devastated by the news that Jenkins was murdered.
Chicago police say it happened Sunday around 4:30 a.m. Jenkins was found shot multiple times in the alley behind her home near 64th and Drexel. Church members say she was on her way to their 5 a.m. service, which she attended regularly.
Word of Jenkins' murder slowly spread throughout the community. Michael Adams says he and his family recently moved to the neighborhood, a couple of doors down from Jenkins. He says he did not know her by name, but that she was always friendly.
"It's a tragic situation," Adams said. "She just seemed like a nice lady. She spoke every time she saw us. She was coming and going, going to work, or whatever."
Adams says his block was quiet in the morning when he left for church, but when he returned home in the afternoon, there was a heavy police presence. At this point, police do not have a suspect or a motive in this case.
"It was just chaos. They had everything wrapped up in tape everywhere, front and back," Adams said.
Jenkins' five children range from a freshman in college to 10 years old. The eldest child told ABC7 that the family is trying to be there for each other and process what happened.
Area One detectives are investigating.
Police did not immediately provide further information.
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