2-Year-Old Girl Abducted at Gunpoint in Violent Home Invasion on Chicago’s South Side
CHICAGO, IL — July 23, 2025 — A citywide manhunt is underway after a 2-year-old girl was abducted during a violent home invasion early Wednesday morning on Chicago’s South Side. Authorities confirm that the child, Autumn Shelley, was taken by her biological mother — with the help of two armed accomplices — from her grandmother’s home shortly before dawn.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the abduction occurred around 4:50 a.m. in the 4800 block of South Michigan Avenue, in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Police say the three suspects — including a known female relative — forced their way inside the residence while armed with firearms, confronted the child’s grandmother, and fled with the toddler in a stolen vehicle.
Terrifying Home Invasion Caught Family Off Guard
The child’s grandmother, Raven Shelley, recounted the horrifying ordeal, saying her daughter and two unidentified men stormed into her apartment unannounced, guns drawn, and seized her granddaughter while she watched helplessly.
“They broke in with guns. They snatched Autumn out of her bed and stole my car,” Raven said through tears. “They didn’t care who they scared or hurt. Autumn was crying — she was so scared.”
Raven Shelley is the child’s legal guardian, and police have confirmed that the child’s mother does not have custody of Autumn. The family had reportedly been engaged in a long-standing custody dispute.
The trio fled the scene in Raven Shelley’s gray Nissan hatchback, which has yet to be recovered. It is unclear if the child was harmed during the abduction.
No Amber Alert Issued: ‘Domestic in Nature’
Despite the severity of the incident, no AMBER Alert has been issued. Police say the case is being treated as a domestic-related child abduction, which under state protocols does not automatically trigger an alert unless certain criteria are met.
“While the incident is deeply concerning, current guidelines require immediate confirmation of danger and the presence of an unknown or untrusted abductor,” a police spokesperson said. “We continue to pursue all leads aggressively.”
However, child safety advocates are questioning that decision, noting that the presence of firearms and a forcible home invasion should elevate the urgency of the case.
“This child was taken in an act of violence,” said Tanya Briggs, director of Chicago’s Child Advocacy Council. “She’s in the hands of people who used weapons to get to her. That is danger, plain and simple.”
Suspects Believed Armed and Dangerous
Police say all three suspects are armed and should be considered dangerous. The mother, who has not yet been publicly named, has a known criminal history and prior incidents involving child welfare. The two male suspects have not been identified.
The stolen vehicle is a gray Nissan hatchback. Authorities have not released a license plate number, but are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings.
Search for Autumn Shelley Intensifies
Autumn Shelley is described as a Black female, age 2, with black hair, brown eyes, standing approximately 2 feet 10 inches tall. She was last seen wearing a pink pajama onesie.
Detectives are reviewing area surveillance footage and speaking with nearby residents in an effort to track the suspects’ route and timeline. Law enforcement agencies across the region have been notified, and Illinois State Police have been looped in for possible state-wide coordination.
Community on Edge, Family Pleads for Help
The abduction has sent shockwaves through the Bronzeville neighborhood, where residents are demanding justice and swift recovery of the child.
“They need to find that baby now,” said neighbor Lashonda Greene. “She’s innocent. Whatever family drama is going on, that little girl didn’t deserve this.”
The Shelley family has issued a public plea for Autumn’s safe return, asking the mother — or anyone harboring her — to reconsider the danger she’s placing the child in.
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
Chicago Police Department Special Victims Unit: (312) 747-8274
Authorities continue their urgent search for Autumn Shelley, praying she is found safe and unharmed. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.