Woodlawn mother of 5 shot to death while heading to church remembered as loving, welcoming

ABC7 Chicago • January 19, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

Kiara Jenkins, a 36-year-old mother of five and lifelong member of Mt. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Woodlawn, was found shot multiple times near her home early Sunday morning.
Jenkins was on her way to a 5 a.m. church service she regularly attended when the shooting occurred, leaving her church community devastated and searching for answers.
Neighbors described Jenkins as a friendly and supportive presence in the neighborhood, expressing shock and sadness over the tragic incident.
Police have not identified any suspects or motives and are conducting an ongoing investigation led by Area One detectives.
Jenkins' family, including her children aged 10 to college age, are trying to cope with the loss while the community mourns her death.