Gakirah Barnes, known by the nickname 'K.I.', was a notorious gang member from the Tooka Gang in Chicago. Her life was tragically cut short when she was murdered on Friday, April 11, 2014, at just 17 years old. Despite her youth, K.I. was regarded as a formidable figure in the Chicago gang landscape, earning comparisons to 'Snoop,' a character from the fictional television series 'The Wire' known for her ruthlessness. Allegations suggest that by the age of 14, Gakirah had committed her first murder, and she may have been involved in up to 20 killings.
Barnes lived with her mother, who described her as a sweet, loving girl, though she admitted her daughter was far from an angel. Her father was tragically murdered on Easter Sunday in 1997, when Gakirah was less than a year old. Although police records indicate K.I. was arrested several times, she was never charged with any crimes as severe as murder.
Gakirah Barnes Murders
Some claim that Gakirah Barnes was responsible for over 20 murders during her brief tenure as a gang member, although these assertions lack concrete evidence. Two of the most notable killings attributed to her are those of Odee Perry and rapper Blood Money. Odee Perry was part of the Black Disciples, a rival gang, and is believed to have been killed in 2011 as retaliation for the murder of Shondale 'Tooka' Gregory, a member of Barnes' gang. Although evidence linking Barnes to Perry's murder is absent, rapper Lil Jay, a fellow gang member, posted a picture with Barnes and her brother, captioned with a reference to O Block, named in honor of Perry.
On April 9, 2014, rapper and Gangster Disciples member Blood Money, born Mario Hess, was fatally shot. Following his death, Tooka Gang members, including Lil Jay, taunted Blood Money by posting videos online. One such video showed Lil Jay drinking a red beverage and singing about 'sipping on Blood Money.'
K.I. and King Von
In late 2012, a confrontation occurred between K.I. and King Von, a member of the Oblock set 600, at a train station. The altercation escalated into a physical fight, with King Von later boasting about it on Twitter. Despite the hostilities, King Von developed an interest in K.I. and attempted to pursue a romantic relationship, but his advances were unsuccessful.
The situation took a more personal turn when K.I.'s Twitter account was hacked, revealing private messages between her and King Von. These conversations exposed King Von's intentions to pursue K.I. once the gang conflict between the southside BDs and GDs concluded. The flirtatious exchanges continued until King Von's arrest later in 2012.
Gakirah Barnes Death
On April 11, 2014, Gakirah Barnes was tragically shot while walking with two others to a friend's house for lunch. The attack occurred in Woodlawn around 3:30 p.m., and she was struck approximately nine times, with bullets hitting her chest, jaw, leg, and neck. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries. The two individuals accompanying Barnes were also shot but survived, including her twin brother. Her death came two years after the murder of her 13-year-old cousin, Tyquan Tyler.