6-Month-Old Shot, Dies: Baby Girl Jonylah Watkins and Father Suffer Multiple Gun Wounds in Chicago Shooting During Diaper Change, Gang-Related

Reports confirm that 6-month-old baby girl Jonylah Watkins died on Tuesday (March 12) after suffering several gunshot wounds from a walk-by shooting in Woodlawn, Chicago on Monday. Watkins' father Jonathan Watkins was changing the baby's diaper in a parked van when an unidentified gunman walked up and began opening fire. Young Watkins was rushed to the local Comer Children's Hospital, but died the next day from her severe wounds. The father was also injured during the tragic incident, and remains in critical condition at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Circumstances surrounding the sad and unfortunate shooting are thought to be gang-related. This is not the first time the Watkins family has faced such violence - Jonylah's mother Judy Watkins was also allegedly shot in the knee while pregnant with the now deceased child.

Eyewitnesses confirm that the gunman approached Jonathan Watkins at his minivan at around 1 p.m. on Monday and started shooting while Watkins was standing beside the vehicle, changing his daughter's diaper. Jonylah was lying on the front seat. Authorities and family members confirm that Jonathan was shot in the side and buttocks, and suffered a graze wound to his face. Baby Jonylah was shot a total of five times - in her thigh, shoulder, lung, liver, and bowels.

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, Jonylah underwent emergency surgery that same afternoon. But her wounds proved too severe, and the six-month-old passed away the following day.

On Tuesday, Chicago police pursued an avid search of the South Side neighborhood of Woodlawn, on the hunt for security camera footage or any other clues that might lead them to the gunman suspect. No one is in custody and police are currently investigating the case.

According to NBC Chicago, police say the baby's father is known to have gang affiliations. Just a few months ago, his wife Judy was shot in the leg while pregnant with Jonylah.

Chicago has seen a recent rise in gun violence over the past few months, most of such violence having to do with gangs (including the tragic murder of teenager Hadiya Pendleton). The city registered at least 500 homicides last year for the first time since 2008. In 2011, there were 435 homicides. However, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy told reporters on Monday that homicides were down 26 percent this year, compared to this same time last year.

"There's too much shooting over there," Judy Watkins' mother Mary Young told reporters on Monday. "She's nothing but 6 months old. How could anybody - what kind of heart?"

Thoughts and condolences go out to young Watkins' family during this time of tragedy.