Baby delivered after pregnant teen mom dies from gunshot

CHICAGO -- A teenager six months pregnant was shot and killed on Chicago's South Side, but doctors were able to deliver her son, authorities said.

"The baby is pretty much fighting for his life," Debbie Jefferson said of her grandson. "He lost some oxygen and the doctors say there could be health issues. I believe in God, I believe everything is going to be OK."

Jefferson's daughter, Charinez Jefferson, 17, had just gone out to the store Tuesday night and was talking to friends when a car drove up and shots rang out.

"I really don't know what happened," Jefferson said. "She was going to the corner store. She stopped to talk to a guy she knew and someone drove up and opened fire. That's what I've been told. I got down there but they already roped it off. I couldn't get to her.

"I don't believe she was the intended target. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Police said Charinez Jefferson was walking with a group of friends in the 3000 block of West 64th Street at about 10:35 p.m. when a gunman got out of a car and ran up, firing, said News Affairs Officer Ronald Gaines.

"One of them yelled, 'He's got a got a gun,' and everyone scattered," Gaines said.

Jefferson was found lying on the street with gunshot wounds to her body and head, said Fire Department spokesman Will Knight. When paramedics arrived, she was in full cardiac arrest.

Charinez Jefferson was placed on advanced life support and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn as paramedics worked to save the baby, Knight said.

Jefferson was declared dead at 11:11 p.m. at the hospital, but doctors were able to deliver the baby.

(c) 2011, Chicago Tribune.

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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

 

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