Authorities identify 2 killed in connected attacks in Gage Park

CHICAGO — Authorities have identified two victims who were killed in what officers now believe were connected attacks on the city’s Southwest Side over the weekend.

Officers said both incidents unfolded on night Sunday in the 5300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in Gage Park.

According to police, the two victims, who were identified as 63-year-old Richard Romo and 64-year-old Rita Chavez, were found dead inside an apartment building in the area just before 10 p.m.

Authorities had initially identified the man as a 57-year-old male victim, however, an updated release by CPD indicates that he was 63.

Officers were initially called to the scene following a report that someone had been shot in the area, but when they arrived, they found an open door toward the back of the building.

After officers announced their presence and entered the building, they found the two victims.

Officers said Romo had suffered a gunshot wound to his head while Chavez had suffered “multiple injuries” to her body.

A police source later confirmed to WGN-TV that Chavez had been stabbed several times.

A relative of Romo, who wished to remain anonymous, told WGN-TV that he was the victim’s cousin and said Chavez was Romo’s girlfriend.

The family member said he was devastated to learn about what happened to the victims and said he believed that the person who killed the couple was also related to him.

The second incident that police now believe is connected to the double homicide unfolded a short time later, just after 10 p.m., at “Just One More Sports Bar,” located next door to the building where the homicide unfolded.

Officers said during that incident, a 57-year-old man who was armed with a pistol and a knife approached another man outside the bar and followed him inside the establishment.

Once inside, officers said the suspect walked to the back of the bar where he then allegedly attacked a woman with a knife.

According to police, during the alleged attack, the victim suffered multiple lacerations to her body and was later transported to the hospital where she was listed in good condition.

Police have not provided an update on the victim’s condition.

Following the alleged attack, officers said the 57-year-old man, who has not yet been identified by police, was taken into custody and a gun was discovered on the scene.

An initial report by CPD on Monday indicated that nobody had been taken into custody in connection with the double homicide, however on Tuesday, officers confirmed that the incidents were connected.

The family member of Romo said he believed his cousin’s brother went “mad” and visited the bar shortly after visiting the apartment, but police have not provided any details on what led up to the incidents.

Authorities have not identified or announced charges against anyone in connection with the incidents.