Chicago, Illinois — On April 11, 2014, 17-year-old Gakirah “KI” Barnes was shot and killed in a targeted attack on Chicago’s South Side. Her death shocked the city, not only because of her age, but because of her reputation as one of the most feared young figures connected to ongoing gang violence in the area.
Authorities long suspected Barnes of being a teenage assassin linked to multiple shootings, and her story continues to spark conversations about street violence, trauma, and broken systems.
What Happened to Gakirah Barnes?
According to Chicago police, Gakirah Barnes was gunned down on April 11, 2014, in front of a home on the 6400 block of South Eberhart Avenue. A hooded gunman approached and opened fire, hitting her seven times. Two young men nearby were wounded, but investigators say Barnes was the clear target.
Her murder occurred just weeks after she had posted multiple warnings on social media, claiming rival gang members were trying to kill her. Police had previously warned her she was in immediate danger, but she refused help.
No arrest has ever been made. Years later, a police report leaked online identified Chicago rapper King Von as an alleged suspect, though he was never charged.
Who Was Gakirah “KI” Barnes?
Gakirah Barnes was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Before her name became tied to violence, teachers described her as a shy, polite middle schooler who smiled often and tried her best academically. But after the murders of close friends—including 15-year-old Shondale “Tooka” Gregory and later 13-year-old Tyquan Tyler—her life took a dark turn.
Barnes began spending more time in an area called Tookaville and slowly built a reputation as a fearless and armed teen willing to retaliate in the streets. On Twitter, she referred to herself as “TyquanAssassin,” a nickname that circulated widely online and pushed her deeper into gang notoriety.
Though police linked her to three to five shootings—including the suspected retaliation killing of Odee Perry at age 14—she was never charged. Investigators say evidence was always scarce and witnesses rarely came forward.
The Street Life and Case Details
By 2014, Gakirah Barnes had evolved from a grieving teen into a well-known name within Chicago’s gang conflicts. Police and street sources suspected her involvement in up to 15 shootings, though many of those claims came from online chatter rather than verified evidence.
Her social media presence fueled her reputation. She posted threats, warnings, and taunts aimed at rivals, and even directed anger toward law enforcement after police shot a friend in March 2014.
Police attempted to intervene months before her death when they found her in an alley within rival territory. They offered her job placement, safety assistance, and a chance to leave the streets. She declined.
Some police sources later said members within her own circle believed she had become a “liability” because her notoriety drew too much attention—a factor that may have contributed to her murder.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Even after her death, Gakirah Barnes’ Twitter account remained active. Admirers, critics, and curious onlookers continued posting messages such as “Goodnight, Shoota” and “RIP KI.” Her story spread across YouTube, documentaries, blogs, and true-crime communities, often sparking debates about youth violence, trauma, and the cycle of retaliation that grips many Chicago neighborhoods.
Her mother, who maintained that she never saw a gun inside their home, expressed heartbreak at the double life her daughter lived. “When she was in my home, I was in control,” she said. “When she was in the street, she became another person.”
Online discussions about Barnes remain highly polarized—some see her as a symbol of lost youth and systemic failure, while others view her as a dangerous figure shaped by gang culture.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Chicago police have kept the case open, though officials acknowledge that witness silence and limited evidence have stalled progress. The department has repeatedly emphasized that retaliation-fueled cycles like the one surrounding Gakirah Barnes continue to endanger teens across the South Side.
No new public statements have been made regarding the case in recent years, and it remains one of Chicago’s most widely discussed unsolved teen murders.
Community leaders continue to use her story in conversations about prevention, early intervention, and the need for better support systems for at-risk youth.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
