A fatal shooting took place at JJ Fish and Chicken on the Southwest Side of Chicago, Illinois on Monday, October 7, 2024. An employee on duty shot and killed two men.
Mehdi Medellel, 42, who was working at the restaurant, is now facing two counts of first-degree murder. The Chicago Police Department reported that the incident happened around 10:30 in the evening during a heated argument between Medellel and the two victims, aged 56 and 57.
The 56-year-old victim was identified as David Swick, while the identity of the 57-year-old man is still undisclosed. A staff member at the restaurant, who was not present during the incident, mentioned that she recognized one victim as a homeless man to whom she often provided food.
Security camera footage showed the moments leading to the deadly shooting. One victim was seen backing away with his hands up, trying to de-escalate the situation. However, Medellel moved closer and shot him in the head. He then shot the second victim, who was seated at a table and had no time to react. “It’s a sad statement for the city,” remarked Street Pastor Donovan Price.
The prosecution characterized the shooting as an “execution-style” murder and clarified that neither victim was armed at the time of the incident. They also reported that Medellel was seen handling a firearm in the restaurant’s back kitchen area by the cook just before the shooting.
Medellel was apprehended by police around 30 minutes after the incident as he was leaving the scene. A handgun was recovered from a nearby dumpster, where Medellel allegedly discarded it. Investigations, including ballistic tests on the recovered firearm, are ongoing.
The restaurant owner as well as the chef, who recognized Medellel from photographs and videos, contacted the authorities after the incident. Following the shooting, the restaurant was temporarily closed as the area was secured by the police.
Medellel, who has a criminal history in both Illinois and Florida, appeared in court on October 8, where he was ordered to be detained. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 29.