Chicago, Illinois — A 20-year-old Chicago man, Elijah Stiffened, has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman, Cyra C. Magby, on the city’s South Side. The incident, which occurred on June 11, 2024, unfolded during a drive-by attack that tragically cut short the life of the young woman and resulted in charges of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder against Stiffened.
The shooting took place late at night near the 800-block of Garfield Boulevard in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Police reports indicate that Magby and two other women, also 19, were inside a Chevy Malibu when an assailant in a silver SUV opened fire on them. While the two passengers escaped physical harm, Magby, who was driving, suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Following an intensive investigation, authorities arrested Stiffened on March 3, 2025, in the 2700 block of S. California Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident and was scheduled for a court appearance shortly after his arrest.
Magby, remembered for her recent graduation from Englewood Stem High School and her participation on the basketball team, tragically collided with a Volkswagen Jetta moments after the shooting. This secondary collision occurred in the 5400-block of Halsted Street, involving a 43-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman who both sustained minor injuries but were expected to recover fully.
The broader impact of such incidents stretches beyond the immediate victims. Community leaders and local safety initiatives have expressed deep concerns over the recurring violence in the area, seeking more effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have not disclosed whether any additional suspects are believed to be involved. The arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address violent crime in Chicago, offering a semblance of hope for justice to the affected families and communities.
This incident, among others similar in nature, adds to the city’s urgent dialogues about gun control, public safety, and community engagement policies aimed at curbing the cycle of violence that impacts many of its neighborhoods. As the court proceedings against Stiffened advance, many are watching closely, yearning for resolution and effective action to ensue from this latest spark in the complex debate over safety and justice in Chicago.