In the aftermath of a horrific mass shooting at a River North restaurant, the family of Devonte Williamson has been grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of their loved one. The incident, which unfolded around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, resulted in the death of four individuals, including 23-year-old Williamson, and left another 14 people injured. The chaos erupted outside the Artis Restaurant and Lounge, located at 311 W. Chicago Ave., during an album-release party for Williamson’s girlfriend, Melanie Doyle, a well-known drill rapper who goes by the stage name Mello Buckzz.
Devonte Williamson’s mother, Andrea Williamson, expressed her anguish as she viewed footage of the incident circulating on social media. “You see people running, and they are constantly shooting,” she said, her voice filled with sorrow. “To do that to people — the majority of them were women — to take people’s loved ones away, they need to be locked up.” The tragedy struck as concert-goers celebrated, shattering what should have been a joyous occasion.
Alongside Devonte Williamson, the victims of this drive-by shooting included 26-year-old Taylor Walker, who also had ties to Doyle, and two other individuals identified as Aviance King, 27, and Leon Henry, 25, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The shooting has left friends and family in disbelief, gathering in various locations across Chicago to support one another during this devastating time.
The outpouring of grief was palpable as dozens of Walker’s friends and family convened at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy, her alma mater, to release pink and white balloons in her memory, less than 24 hours after the shooting. Friends described Walker as a “sweet girl,” always bringing joy to those around her. Walker’s mother, Sharonda Booth, shared her heartbreak, stating, “I know I can’t question God. I know he must have a better plan for her.”
Walker was a talented hairdresser, known for styling her friends and family members, including Mello Buckzz. Her aunt, Stacey Brison, recounted how Walker attended the event to support her friend. “These young ladies are just trying to do something with their lives but they can’t go anywhere without being targeted. It has to stop,” Brison lamented. Walker, the youngest of eight siblings, had previously lost a brother to gun violence, underscoring the profound impact of this senseless tragedy on her family.
Devonte Williamson, like Walker, was a proud graduate of Chicago Vocational Career Academy. He was seeking employment as a truck driver and was known for his outgoing nature and protective demeanor. Andrea Williamson shared that her son had recently begun dating Doyle and was at the restaurant to support her. “He was very outgoing, very popular and very protective,” she emphasized, expressing her deep sorrow and disbelief at the loss of her son.
Devonte’s brother, Darell Williamson, received the devastating news about his brother's shooting late Wednesday. After rushing to the hospital, they faced the unbearable wait for confirmation of Devonte’s status. “We waited a long time, but then I knew by my mother’s reaction that it was not good,” Darell recounted, as the family faced the grim reality of their loss. While rumors have circulated about the shooting being gang-related, Andrea Williamson firmly stated that her son was not involved with any gangs and called for justice. “To go shoot up 18 people, to me there is no reason to do something like that,” she declared.
As the family seeks answers from law enforcement regarding the tragic events of that night, they are also preparing to celebrate Devonte’s daughter, Nevaeh, who will turn three later this month. In the face of unimaginable loss, the Williamson family is determined to honor their loved ones and advocate for an end to the violence that has plagued their community.
