Chicago Police are investigating two separate homicides that rocked the Altgeld Gardens community during Labor Day weekend, leaving two women dead just one day apart.
The first victim, 43-year-old Michelle Blunt, was fatally shot on Saturday, August 30, 2025, near 131st & Ingleside. According to police, Michelle was standing outside when five gunmen approached and opened fire, striking her multiple times in the chest and neck. She was rushed to University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
A balloon release was held in her memory the following day as family and neighbors mourned her loss.
“Michelle was standing outside when five gunmen approached her and fired several shots before fleeing the scene.” — Chicago Police Department
No suspects are currently in custody for Michelle’s killing.
Another Tragedy the Next Day
Less than 24 hours later, tragedy struck again. 26-year-old Dejah Manning was shot and killed on Sunday, August 31, 2025, near 132nd & Ellis, just blocks away from the earlier shooting.
Police say Dejah got into a heated argument with a known female offender, who then pulled out a firearm and shot her in the chest before fleeing. Dejah was also rushed to UofC Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The shooter is still at large.
Investigations Continue
Although both killings happened within the same neighborhood, Chicago Police do not believe the cases are connected. Area detectives are investigating the homicides as separate incidents.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police 5th (Calumet) District at (312) 747-8210 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.
Part of a Larger Labor Day Violence Surge
Michelle and Dejah are among seven people killed during Labor Day weekend gun violence across Chicago, with 50 others wounded in shootings citywide.
🙏🏾 Please keep the families of Michelle Blunt and Dejah Manning in your prayers as they grieve their loved ones.
