A Chicago community has been left devastated after an unexpected loss. Kiara Jenkins, a mom of five, was shot and killed as she left her home to attend church. Jenkins has been described by those who knew her as someone who was devout to her faith and a genuinely good soul. The mom was only days away from celebrating her birthday. Now, her family will be celebrating her memory instead, which is truly devastating. As those who knew and loved her come together to support each other, police are asking the community for their help. Currently, there are no suspects in Jenkins’ killing, and a reward is being offered in an attempt get some answers.
Jenkins was found unresponsive around 4:30 a.m. January 18, 2026, in an alley in the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood, WBBM reported. Police said she had been shot multiple times. She was declared dead at the scene.
According to her family, Jenkins, who was preparing to celebrate her 37th birthday, was leaving her home at the time of her death. They described her as a very religious person who was dedicated to her church.
The 36-year-old woman was a lifelong member of Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, WLS reported. Church members said she was on her way to the church’s 5 a.m. Sunday service, which she regularly attended, when she was killed. Their community is suffering from an immense loss with Jenkins’ death.
The loss extends beyond her church to her neighborhood, where she was known as a welcoming presence.
“It’s a tragic situation,” neighbor Michael Adams told WLS. “She just seemed like a nice lady. She spoke every time she saw us.”
Jenkins’ five children range in age from a college freshman to a 10-year-old. Her oldest child told WLS the family is trying to be there for each other and make sense of what happened.
Twentieth Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor talked about the mother’s death in a statement she released on January 20. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Kiara Jenkins,” she shared. “This was a senseless act of violence that never should have happened. This tragedy has shaken our community deeply.”
Several members of Jenkins’ family addressed her death on social media, according to Law & Crime.
“Kiara, Kiara, my sweet beautiful girl, this is so unreal,” one family member wrote on Facebook. “I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it will just be a bad dream. Anyone whoever met you, right away knew you were special. I love you daughter and you will forever be in my heart. This hurts so bad and I’m struggling with the pain of losing you.”
No arrests have been made in the case. Police say the investigation is ongoing. Chicago Crime Stoppers has put up a $10,000 reward in hopes of finding the person who killed Kiara Jenkins, WLS reported.
