A double homicide occurred at J&J’s Fish and Chicken on the Southwest Side of Chicago, Illinois on October 7, 2024. An employee of the establishment is accused of fatally shooting two men during his shift.

Mehdi Medellel, a 42-year-old employee, is currently facing two counts of first-degree murder. The Chicago Police Department stated that the fatal encounter began around 10:30 p.m. following a dispute between Medellel and the two victims, aged 56 and 57. The cause of the argument is still under investigation.

David Swick, 56, has been identified as one of the victims, while the identity of the 57-year-old victim remains undisclosed. A fellow employee at the restaurant, who was not present during the incident, recognized one of the men as a homeless man to whom she regularly provided food.

Surveillance footage captured the moments preceding the tragic incident. It showed one of the victims attempting to de-escalate the situation by backing off with his hands raised. Medellel, however, approached the man and shot him in the head. He then turned and shot the second victim, who was seated at a table with no time to react. Reflecting on the violent incident, Street Pastor Donovan Price stated, “It’s a sad statement for the city.”

The prosecutors labeled the incident as an “execution-style” murder, emphasizing that neither victim was armed. They also noted that Medellel was seen handling a firearm in the restaurant’s back kitchen area shortly before the shooting, as observed by the cook.

Medellel was apprehended by the police approximately 30 minutes post the shooting while he was exiting the scene. A handgun was retrieved from a nearby dumpster, purportedly discarded by Medellel. Ongoing investigations include ballistic tests on the discovered weapon. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is in the process of confirming the identities of the victims and notifying their respective families.

The restaurant’s proprietor and chef identified Medellel from the photographs and videos, and subsequently alerted the authorities. Following the incident, the restaurant remains closed as police continue their investigation. A patron of the fast-food establishment expressed her dismay at finding the restaurant closed and her sadness at the tragic loss of life.

Medellel, who has previous criminal charges in both Illinois and Florida, appeared in court on October 8, where his detention was ordered. Further court proceedings are scheduled for October 29.