CHICAGO, IL — A terrifying early morning incident has left a Chicago family in shock and a community on high alert after a 2-year-old girl, Autumn Shelley, was forcibly abducted from her grandmother’s home in what authorities are calling a domestic-related kidnapping and home invasion.
The incident took place around 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, in the 4800-block of South Michigan Avenue, on the city’s South Side. According to Chicago police and family members, Autumn Shelley was taken from the home of her grandmother, Raven Shelley, by her biological mother and two unidentified male accomplices.
Raven Shelley, clearly shaken, told investigators and media outlets that her daughter — Autumn’s mother — broke into the home, forcibly entered the residence with two men reportedly armed with firearms, and took the child by force. The suspects also stole Raven’s gray Nissan hatchback and took other belongings from the apartment before fleeing the scene.
“This wasn’t just a kidnapping — it was a violent intrusion,” Raven said. “They came in with guns. They tore my door down, they grabbed Autumn, and they just ran. I haven’t seen my baby since.”
Despite the severity of the incident, an Amber Alert has not been issued by authorities. Chicago police have cited the domestic nature of the abduction as the reason. However, that has sparked concern and confusion among many community members, as Autumn remains missing, and armed suspects are believed to be involved.
Investigators confirmed that three suspects — a known female (presumed to be Autumn’s mother) and two unidentified men — carried out the abduction. Police are actively searching for the suspects and the stolen gray Nissan hatchback, which may be instrumental in locating the child. Details on the vehicle’s license plate have not yet been publicly released.
Autumn Shelley is described as a 2-year-old African American girl with a joyful demeanor and curly hair, last seen wearing sleepwear at the time of her abduction. Family members say Autumn is non-verbal and has never spent more than a few hours away from her grandmother.
“She needs care, she needs stability — and now she’s out there somewhere, possibly in danger,” said Raven Shelley. “We just want her home safe.”
The Chicago Police Department has not released the names of the suspects at this time, though they confirmed the mother has a known history with law enforcement and may be in crisis. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and canvassing the neighborhood for any witnesses who may have seen the abduction or the vehicle fleeing the scene.
As of now, Autumn Shelley remains missing, and the public is being urged to stay vigilant. Anyone who may have seen the suspects, the stolen gray Nissan hatchback, or has any information about the child’s whereabouts is asked to contact Chicago Police Area Central Detectives or call 911 immediately.
This incident highlights the fragile and tragic reality of domestic conflicts that escalate into violent and traumatic situations for children. As the city hopes for Autumn’s safe return, the family asks for prayers, support, and visibility to bring awareness to her disappearance.
If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the Chicago Police Department immediately.
Our thoughts remain with Autumn Shelley and her family during this harrowing time.