CHICAGO, IL — The high-end shopping and nightlife district of River North became a scene of absolute chaos in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025, as a targeted mass shooting left one man dead and three others fighting for their lives. Authorities have identified the deceased victim as DeAndre Golden, 34, a prominent figure in the Chicago drill scene known as 051 Woo or YMN Woo. The shooting is a devastating blow to the 051 Young Money set, occurring nearly six years after the high-profile 2019 “backdoor” murder of his brother, Yarmel “Melly” Williams, one of the most notorious figures in Chiraq gang history.

The ambush, which occurred near the intersection of North LaSalle Drive and West Hubbard Street, has reignited fears of escalating gang warfare in areas once considered “safe zones” in downtown Chicago. As investigators sift through the wreckage of a luxury green Porsche SUV riddled with bullet holes, the city is once again forced to confront the cycle of violence that follows the “Young Money” lineage.

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The Ambush: A Detailed Account of the River North Attack

The tragedy unfolded at approximately 2:35 a.m., just as the nightlife scene was beginning to wind down. According to the Chicago Police Department, 051 Woo and three companions were approaching their vehicle—a distinctive green Porsche SUV—parked in the 400 block of North LaSalle Drive. As the group began to enter the luxury vehicle, they were ambushed.

Witnesses and surveillance footage indicate that four unknown male offenders approached the group on foot. Without warning, the assailants produced firearms and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. The proximity was devastating; more than two dozen shell casings were recovered at the scene, scattered around the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle.

The victims were struck as follows:

• DeAndre Golden (051 Woo), 34: Sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and extremities. He was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

• 36-year-old male: Suffered a critical gunshot wound to the chest; currently in intensive care at Northwestern.

• 43-year-old male: Sustained a gunshot wound to the back; listed in critical condition.

• 35-year-old male: Suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body; listed in critical condition.

Following the assault, the four shooters fled to a waiting vehicle and sped away from the scene. As of late Sunday evening, no arrests have been made, and Area Three detectives are currently reviewing footage from the city’s vast network of “POD” cameras and private security systems along LaSalle Drive.

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The Legacy of the “Gravedigger”: 051 Woo and 051 Melly

The death of 051 Woo is particularly significant due to his family’s deep roots in the Young Money 051 set, a Mickey Cobra-affiliated gang based in the Oakland and Kenwood neighborhoods. Woo was the older brother of 051 Melly, often referred to as “The Gravedigger” for his rumored involvement in numerous high-profile gang hits across the city.

051 Melly was famously killed on September 1, 2019, at a house party in the Woodlawn neighborhood. His death was considered a “backdoor” hit—murdered by a member of a friendly set (Nate from TW)—and sent shockwaves through the drill community. Following Melly’s death, Woo became a primary figure representing the “MellyWay” movement, appearing in several documentaries and interviews, including a notable 2024 feature where he spoke on the origin of 051 and the pain of losing his brother.

The targeting of 051 Woo in River North suggests that the long-standing blood feuds involving 051 Young Money—most notably their wars with THF 46, 600, and OTF—remain as volatile as ever. For many in the drill community, Woo was the last direct link to the Melly era of Young Money leadership.

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A War Zone in River North: A Pattern of Violence

The shooting on LaSalle and Hubbard is the second major mass casualty event in River North this year. In July 2025, a mass drive-by shooting outside a River North lounge killed four people and wounded 14 others. That incident was linked to an album release party for rapper Mello Buckzz.

The fact that another mass shooting involving high-profile gang affiliates has occurred in the heart of the 42nd Ward has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and business owners. Alderman Brendan Reilly, who has previously called for the permanent closure of venues that attract violence, is reportedly in emergency meetings with Superintendent Larry Snelling to discuss a more aggressive security posture in the downtown district.

“This is not a ‘neighborhood’ issue; this is a city-wide safety crisis,” one Hubbard Street restaurant owner stated. “When men in a Lamborghini or Porsche are being hunted on LaSalle Street on a Sunday morning, it tells you that the shooters have no fear of the police or the location.”

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The Investigation and the Road Ahead

Detectives are currently following several leads, including:

1. Target Identification: While all four men were struck, the nature of the ambush suggests DeAndre Golden may have been the primary target.

2. Set Retaliation: Investigators are looking into recent social media “diss” tracks and Instagram Live sessions where 051 members may have shared their location.

3. Vehicle Ballistics: Forensic teams are analyzing the caliber of the shell casings found. Reports indicate both handgun and rifle rounds may have been used, indicating a coordinated hit.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is scheduled to perform an autopsy on Monday morning. Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with “Rest in Peace” messages from the MellyWay community and taunts from opposing sets, including THF 46 and 600, further heightening fears of a violent “get back” response.