CHICAGO — A shocking incident unfolded on Monday night as prosecutors have charged an employee with the murder of two men inside a South Side fast food restaurant, according to Chicago police. Surveillance footage obtained by CWBChicago indicates that the victims were not posing a threat to the shooter at the time of the fatal shootings.
Mehdi Medellel, aged 42, is set to appear for a detention hearing on Wednesday at 26th and California, facing two counts of first-degree murder.
The tragic event occurred on Monday night when a restaurant employee allegedly shot and killed two men during an altercation inside the establishment located in the 7800 block of South Western Avenue. Both victims, aged 55 and 56, succumbed to gunshot wounds to their heads at the scene, as reported by CPD.
In a video provided to CWBChicago, both victims can be seen in the dining room of JJ Fish & Chicken at 7828 South Western Avenue around 10:28 p.m.
While the events leading up to the shooting remain unclear, the footage portrays the following sequence of events:
One victim is observed going through a suitcase on the floor, standing up as a man enters the frame brandishing a pistol. The victim raises his arms defensively as he retreats from the gunman, who proceeds to fire at least one shot, causing the victim to fall to the ground.
Simultaneously, the second victim is seated at a dining table with his back to the suitcase and the armed individual. He remains motionless until the first victim is shot. Upon witnessing the shooting, the second victim shoves his chair sideways with his feet, only to be shot by the gunman from close range.
Following the second victim’s fall, the shooter exits the frame, walking towards the area from which he initially appeared.
Due to the graphic nature of the video, CWBChicago has opted not to publish it, but it is available here.
Stay tuned for an updated report following the prosecutors’ presentation of their allegations in court.
Tim Hecke is CWBChicago’s managing partner. With a background in news radio, Tim has extensive experience in media and content services across major markets in the US. He assumed the role of managing partner at CWBChicago in 2019.
