Kiara Jenkins, a 36-year-old mother of five, was shot and killed early Sunday morning in the alley behind her home near 64th and Drexel. Police say she was on her way to Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church for the 5 a.m. service when she was found shot multiple times. No suspect. No motive. Just another life taken too soon.
But Kiara wasn’t just another headline.
To the people who knew her, she was warmth. The type of person who always spoke, always checked in, always showed up. A lifelong member of Mt. Bethlehem, Kiara was deeply rooted in her faith and her community. Church members say she had a way of making people feel seen—whether it was through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present.
She leaves behind five children, ranging from college age to just 10 years old. That reality alone is hard to sit with.
Right now, Woodlawn is doing what it knows how to do in moments like this: leaning on one another. Grieving together. Asking questions that don’t have answers yet. Holding space for a family whose world was flipped overnight.
Chicago police say Area One detectives are investigating, but as of now, no one has been arrested.
Kiara Jenkins should still be here. Walking to church. Raising her kids. Pouring love into her community the way she always did.
Instead, her name joins a list that keeps growing—and a city that keeps mourning.
Rest in peace, Kiara. And prayers up for her children, her family, and everyone who loved
