Tragedy struck at a New Year's celebration in Kankakee, Illinois, when a shooting resulted in two fatal casualties and five other individuals suffering injuries. The incident happened early in the morning on January 1, 2023, according to local law enforcement.
According to authorities, the incident occurred in an apartment on the 800 block of West Station Street. The victims were participating in a New Year's Eve party, which saw an abrupt and horrific end when an unidentified individual started firing rounds.
Out of the two fatalities, one was a 21-year-old male, and the other a 27-year-old female. The young man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman was rushed to a local hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. The names of these victims have not been disclosed, pending notification of next of kin.
Five more party-goers, aged between 18 and 26, were also injured in this senseless act of violence. They were taken to local hospitals with injuries of varying severity. The current condition of these victims has not been released to the public yet.
Local law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, with the Kankakee Police Department and the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office jointly working on the case. They are currently seeking any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the person or individuals responsible for the shooting.
The authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They've reassured that informants can remain anonymous, and their identities will be protected. The tragedy underlines the rising concern about gun violence in the United States, marking a grim start to the new year.
Despite the sorrowful start to the year, the community has come together in solidarity, mourning the loss and offering support to the victims' families and those affected by the tragedy. Local leaders have also called for peace and unity, urging residents to come together and work towards reducing violence in the community.