Almost $2m raised for toddler orphaned after parents killed in July 4 massacre in US

6 July 2022, 06:14 | Updated: 6 July 2022, 10:38

Almost two million dollars has been raised for a two-year-old who was orphaned when both of his parents were killed during the Fourth of July parade shooting in Chicago.

Irina McCarthy, 35, and Kevin McCarthy, 37, were among at least seven killed in the attack on Monday, when they were separated from their toddler Aiden.

Aiden was found covered in blood and alone after being separated from them during the chaos of Monday's shooting.

Aiden was found by Lauren Silva, 38, and her boyfriend who said that the toddler kept asking "are mom and dad coming back soon?"

Aiden was unharmed and has been placed in the care of his grandparents, Misha and Nina Levebeg.

A fundraiser has now been set up by the local community to help the toddler "navigate life as an orphan" and assist his grandparents with the cost of childcare.

Over $1.8million has been raised in just eight hours since the appeal was launched with one donor, William Ackman- who could be the billionaire investor and hedge fund manager- donating $18,000.

The Gofundme page reads: "In the aftermath of the Highland Park, IL shootings on July 4, the North Shore community rallied to help a boy who we knew nothing about.

Read more: Chicago shooter 'dressed up as a woman' to evade cops after killing seven

"We took him to safety under tragic circumstances, came together to locate his grandparents, and prayed for the safety of his family.

"Sadly, I need to share his name…Aiden McCarthy. And he needs more of our help. His parents Irina & Kevin were killed during the July 4 shooting. At two years old, Aiden is left in the unthinkable position; to grow up without his parents.

"Aiden will be cared for by his loving family and he will have a long road ahead to heal, find stability, and ultimately navigate life as an orphan.

"He is surrounded by a community of friends and extended family that will embrace him with love, and any means available to ensure he has everything he needs as he grows.

"On behalf of his family, and with their permission, I am establishing this fundraiser to support him and the caregivers who will be tasked with raising, caring for, and supporting Aiden as he and his support system embark on this unexpected journey.

"Thank you for your generosity, kindness and support."

Read more: Police arrest 'armed, dangerous' rapper, 22, after six killed in July 4th Chicago shooting

The gunman accused of attacking an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago has been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder.

Lake County State's attorney Eric Rinehart promised that dozens more charges would be sought.

He added that the suspect, if convicted of murder, would receive a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

It comes after police said Robert E Crimo III legally bought two high-powered rifles and three other weapons despite authorities being called to his home twice since 2019 after he threatened suicide and violence.

A spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force told a news conference that the suspected shooter, who was arrested late on Monday, used a high-powered rifle "similar to an AR-15'' to spray more than 70 rounds from the top of a commercial building into a crowd that had gathered for the parade in Highland Park.

Police said they were called to the suspect's home in September 2019 after a family member called to say he was threatening "to kill everyone" in the home.

Task force spokesman Christopher Covelli said police confiscated 16 knives, a dagger and a sword, but said there was no sign he had any guns at the time.

The suspect legally purchased the high-powered rifle in Illinois within the past year, Mr Covelli said. In all, police said, he purchased five firearms, which were recovered by officers at his father's home.

More than three dozen other people were wounded in the attack, which Mr Covelli said the suspect had planned for several weeks.

Nicolas Toledo, who was visiting his family in Illinois from Mexico, was shot and died at the scene, his granddaughter, Xochil Toledo, told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Also killed was Jacki Sundheim, a lifelong congregant and "beloved" staff member at nearby North Shore Congregation Israel, which announced her death on its website.

The Lake County coroner released the names of two other victims: 64-year-old Katherine Goldstein and 88-year-old Stephen Straus.

Nine people, ranging from 14 to 70, remained in hospital on Tuesday, officials said.