Introduction to the Incident
A Chicago man has been charged with killing two people — one of them his own brother, according to family — and injuring another person in Gage Park on the city’s Southwest Side over the weekend.
Robert Romo, 57, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Chicago police announced early Wednesday morning, along with three other felony counts: one of attempted first-degree murder, one of aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and one of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.
Charges and Court Appearance
Romo is scheduled to appear in court later Wednesday. Police say the two attacks, which they believe are connected, both unfolded around 10 p.m. Sunday in the 5300 block of South Kedzie Avenue.
Double Homicide
Officers were initially called to the scene following a report that someone had been shot in the area. When they arrived, just before 10 p.m. Sunday, they found an open door toward the back of an apartment building in the block.
After officers announced their presence and entered the building, they found two victims dead inside. They were later identified by authorities as 63-year-old Richard Romo and 64-year-old Rita Chavez.
Police say Richard Romo was shot in the head and Chavez had suffered "multiple injuries" to her body. A police source later confirmed to WGN-TV that Chavez had been stabbed several times, and a relative identifying as a cousin of Romo told WGN that Chavez was Richard Romo’s girlfriend.
The family also told WGN that Robert and Richard Romo were brothers.
Second Incident
The second incident, which police now believe is connected to the double homicide, unfolded a short time later, just after 10 p.m. Sunday at Just One More Sports Bar. That business is located next door to the apartment building where the double homicide unfolded.
Police say during that incident, a 57-year-old man 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 — with gun still in hand — walked to the back of the bar, where he then allegedly attacked a 44-year-old woman with a knife.
The woman suffered multiple lacerations to her body and was later transported an area hospital, where she was listed in good condition.
Arrest and Investigation
Following the alleged attack, police say the 57-year-old man — now identified as Robert Romo — was taken into custody, and a gun was discovered at the scene.
The family member who spoke with WGN said he believed his cousin Richard Romo’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.
Conclusion
The incidents in Gage Park have left the community in shock, with two people dead and one injured. Robert Romo’s charges are severe, and his court appearance is highly anticipated. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about what led to these tragic events.
FAQs
- Q: What are the charges against Robert Romo?
A: Robert Romo has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. - Q: How are the two incidents connected?
A: Police believe the two incidents are connected, with the double homicide occurring at an apartment building and the second incident happening shortly after at a nearby sports bar. - Q: What is the condition of the injured woman?
A: The 44-year-old woman who was attacked with a knife is listed in good condition at an area hospital. - Q: What is the relationship between Robert Romo and the victims?
A: According to family, Robert Romo and one of the victims, Richard Romo, were brothers. The other victim, Rita Chavez, was Richard Romo’s girlfriend.
