Two people were killed in a violent attack in Gage Park on March 23, 2025. Rita Chavez, 64, and 63-year-old Richard Romo were found dead in Chavez’s apartment in the 5300 block of South Kedzie Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. Both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and stabbing injuries, and the Cook County medical examiner’s office ruled their deaths homicides.

Shortly after the apartment attack, a related episode unfolded at a nearby sports bar. A 57-year-old man believed to be connected to the apartment victims entered the bar intoxicated and aggressive, attempted to stab a bouncer, and tried to shoot a patron but the firearm jammed. He then stabbed a woman in the women’s restroom; she was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and reported in good condition. Officers confronted the suspect as he left, used a Taser to subdue him, and recovered a knife and a gun at the scene.

Area 1 detectives say the suspect was connected to Chavez and Romo and that a personal dispute may have led to the killings. What did neighbors or anyone who knew Rita Chavez notice about her relationships or recent conflicts that could help investigators?