Richard Romo, Rita Chavez Obituary, Death: Officials name two victims in Gage Park linked attacks.
Richard Romo, Rita Chavez Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the two people who were killed in what police now believe were related attacks on the Southwest Side of Chicago over the weekend. The victims, 63-year-old Richard Romo and 64-year-old Rita Chavez, were found dead inside an apartment building in Gage Park on Sunday night.
According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 5300 block of South Kedzie Avenue just before 10 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered an open door at the back of an apartment building. After announcing their presence and entering the residence, they found Romo and Chavez inside.
Authorities determined that Romo had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head, while Chavez had sustained multiple injuries. A police source later confirmed that Chavez had been stabbed several times. Initially, the CPD identified Romo as a 57-year-old male, but a later update corrected his age to 63.
A relative of Romo, who wished to remain anonymous, told WGN-TV that he was Romo’s cousin. He also revealed that Chavez was Romo’s girlfriend. The family member expressed his devastation over the couple’s deaths and said he believed the person responsible for the attack was another relative.
Second Attack at Nearby Bar Linked to Double Homicide
Shortly after the killings, another violent incident occurred just after 10 p.m. at “Just One More Sports Bar,” located next door to the apartment where Romo and Chavez were found. Police now believe this attack was connected to the earlier homicides.
During the second incident, a 57-year-old man, armed with both a pistol and a knife, approached another man outside the bar and then followed him inside. Once inside, the suspect moved toward the back of the bar and allegedly attacked a woman with the knife. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to a hospital, where she was reported to be in good condition. Police have not yet provided an update on her current condition.
Following the attack at the bar, police arrested the 57-year-old suspect and recovered a firearm from the scene. Initially, CPD reported that no one had been taken into custody in connection with the double homicide. However, by Tuesday, authorities confirmed that the two incidents were connected.
Investigation Ongoing, No Charges Announced Yet
As of now, police have not identified the suspect in custody, nor have they announced any charges in connection with the attacks. While authorities have yet to confirm the exact motive, Romo’s family member speculated that Romo’s brother may have been responsible. He suggested that the suspect “went mad” and left the apartment after the killings, heading to the bar where the second attack took place.
Investigators are still working to piece together the sequence of events and determine what led up to the violence. Authorities have not disclosed any further details about the suspect’s relationship to the victims or whether mental health issues played a role in the attacks.
This tragic series of events has shaken the Gage Park community, leaving residents concerned about safety in the neighborhood. The victims’ families are now mourning their losses while awaiting justice. Police are urging anyone with additional information about the incidents to come forward.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release further details, including potential charges against the suspect.
