An altercation over the volume of the television in a Chicago household is said to have sparked a deadly rampage, resulting in the deaths of a wife and daughter over the holiday weekend.
Jose Alvarez, aged 67, is facing two counts of murder in the first degree, as well as one count of attempted murder and aggravated battery from the discharge of a firearm, as reported by the Chicago Police Department. Alvarez is accused of shooting and killing his daughter, Daniela Alvarez, aged 15, and his wife, Karina Gonzalez, aged 48.
One neighbor, Mike Lopez, who was interviewed by local media outlets in Chicago, reported that the argument over the television volume was the motive for the homicides. This was later corroborated by the Chicago Police Department.
The incident occurred just after midnight on Monday in the Little Village neighborhood. Lopez, who was sitting outside his house when the incident occurred, recalled hearing multiple shots coming from his neighbor’s house, followed by the sight of a teenage boy, later identified as Alvarez’s 18 year old son, Jesus Emmanuel “Manny” Alvarez, running down the street, limping and taking cover behind parked cars. Lopez described the boy as having “seen his life flash before his eyes” and explained that he invited the teen to take refuge on his porch until law enforcement arrived.
The 15 year old Daniela was found with a gunshot wound to her face and was pronounced dead after being taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. Karina was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Manny was shot in the ankle and is currently in a stable condition at Mount Sinai, according to the CPD.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe was created by family members of Manny Alvarez to provide financial support for Manny’s recovery and to cover expenses, such as funeral arrangements, physical and mental health support, and bills and living expenses. The fundraiser also asked for privacy for Manny and the family as they grieve.
Jose Alvarez made his first court appearance on Wednesday, where he was denied bond.