Rita Chavez, a 64-year-old Hispanic woman, was found dead in her apartment in Gage Park, Chicago, on March 23, 2025. She was discovered alongside 63-year-old Richard Romo, who also lost his life in the violent attack. Authorities reported that both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and stabbing injuries. The Cook County medical examiner’s office ruled their deaths as homicides. The tragic incident unfolded just before 10 p.m.
when officers responded to a call about a shooting at the apartment located in the 5300 block of South Kedzie Avenue.
Shortly after the attack on Rita Chavez and Richard Romo, a separate but related violent episode occurred at a nearby sports bar. A 57-year-old man, suspected of killing Chavez and Romo, entered the establishment and attempted to stab a bouncer. Witnesses described the suspect as intoxicated and aggressive. He then tried to shoot a bar patron, but his firearm jammed. The suspect proceeded to the women’s restroom, where he stabbed another woman multiple times. The injured woman was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital and was reported to be in good condition.
Law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene and confronted the suspect as he exited the bar, wielding both a knife and a gun. Officers deployed a Taser to subdue him before taking him into custody. Both weapons were recovered at the scene. Investigators later revealed that the suspect was connected to the victims found in the apartment, suggesting a personal dispute may have led to the fatal attack. Area 1 detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Rita Chavez and Richard Romo.
