Frank Mixon was jolted awake by the sound of gunfire early on Independence Day, only to discover a horrifying scene in his home on the 7100 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, WGN9 reports.

Five of his family members, including his mother, 46-year-old Nakeeshia Strong, had been shot.

Tragically, two did not survive, including Strong and his cousin, 24-year-old Caprice Edwards.

The remaining victims, including Chicago children aged 5 and 7, are fighting for their lives in critical condition at Comer Children's Hospital.

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Young Victim Succumbs to Injuries

Thursday evening brought heartbreaking news as the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the death of the 8-year-old boy due to his injuries.

The other two children remain in critical condition, according to Fox32.

The July 4th mass shooting unfolded around 6:15 AM when unidentified assailants opened fire after approaching the residence on South Woodlawn Avenue.

Neekshia Strong and Capri Edwards were both struck by gunfire, with Edwards tragically losing her life while shielding her 1-year-old child.

The Chicago children, ages 5 and 7, both sons of Edwards, along with their 8-year-old cousin, sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to Comer Children's Hospital.

The 8-year-old later died at the hospital.

Law enforcement recovered shell casings from both a rifle and handgun at the scene, indicating a targeted attack likely stemming from a personal dispute.

Frank Mixon, who was visiting from college, described the chaos he witnessed upon waking, recalling his mother's dedication to her family and her work at FedEx.

Mixon expressed disbelief and sorrow, emphasizing his mother's central role in family gatherings and her supportive nature towards him and his aspirations in basketball.

Chicago officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderman Desmon Yancy, condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the grieving families.

Mayor Johnson pledged continued support from city services to aid the affected community in its healing process.

The July 4th Mass Shooting Victims

The fatalities of the July 4th mass shooting were the Chicago mothers Nakeeshia Strong and Capri Edwards, and an 8-year-old boy whose name has not yet been released by authorities.

Edwards, remembered as a devoted mother and daughter, tragically sacrificed her life to protect her children from harm.

Strong, known for her loving nature and hard work, leaves behind a devastated family and community, CBS News noted.

Markita Scott, Edwards' mother, mourned the loss of her daughter and pleaded for justice, describing Edwards' heroic act of shielding her children during the attack.

Scott expressed deep sadness over the senseless violence that has shattered their lives.

Residents of the Grand Crossing neighborhood echoed the calls for an end to such violence, fearing the repercussions of ongoing disputes escalating into tragedy.

Alderman Desmon Yancy underscored the urgent need for conflict resolution and community support to prevent further incidents like this.

Chicago Police continue to investigate the July 4th mass shooting, utilizing surveillance footage and community tips to identify the perpetrators.

As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and law enforcement stress the importance of cooperation and vigilance in ensuring justice and preventing future tragedies.

As Chicago reels from yet another senseless act of violence, the community mourns the lives lost and rallies around the survivors in their fight for recovery and justice.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: 'A massacre of everything:' 2 mothers killed, 3 children critical in mass shooting - From WGN News