Jonathan Watkins and his 6-month-old daughter Jonylah were in this van in the 6500 block of South Maryland in Chicago Monday, March 11, 2013, when a gunman drove by and opened fire. The broken driver-side window shows where the bullets hit. The father was struck and is in critical condition at a local hospital. The baby died early Tuesday morning at Comer Children’s Hospital. Defender photo/Worsom Robinson
A 6-month-old child died early Tuesday after being shot the day before. Jonylah Watkins was struck by gunfire while in a van – as her father was changing her diaper, in the 6500 block of South Maryland Avenue. The father, Jonathan Watkins, was shot too and is reportedly in critical condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Chicago police say Jonathan Watkins was standing outside a minivan Monday in the Woodlawn community attending the child when a gunman approached and opened fire. Watkins was struck in the side and buttocks, and suffered a graze wound to his face. Jonylah Watkins, suffered several gunshot wounds.
She was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital at University of Chicago where a spokesman said the baby underwent surgery. She died before dawn Tuesday.
Rev. Corey Brooks said as a result of being shot, the baby suffered liver, lungs and intestines complications.
Family members said they had no idea why Watkins and Jonylah were shot, and dismissed as untrue police assertions the father has gang ties.
Chicago police Supt. Garry McCarthy plans a news conference regarding the shooting later Tuesday morning.
Chicago Defender Staff contributed to this report
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