Fatal Chicago Heights shooting death of David Parra and Antonio Muñoz – Obituary
In the early hours of Sunday morning, tragedy struck in Chicago Heights as two lives were abruptly cut short. David Parra, aged 30, and Antonio Muñoz, aged 32, were fatally shot in the 500-block of W. 14th Place. Their lives were tragically taken, leaving behind grieving families and a community in shock.
The grim incident unfolded at approximately 4 a.m. when Chicago Heights police received reports of a shooting. Responding swiftly to the distress call, officers arrived at the scene to discover David Parra and Antonio Muñoz suffering from gunshot wounds.
Urgently, they were transported to local hospitals, but despite the medical efforts, they succumbed to their injuries, marking a heart-wrenching end to their lives.
Devastation gripped their families as they received the grim news. According to relatives, the two victims had just returned home following an all-night family gathering in Lynwood.
Tragically, it was during this time that a senseless altercation erupted with individuals from their own neighborhood, seemingly without provocation.
Thursday morning brought a glimmer of justice as the Chicago Heights police announced charges against three individuals connected to the shooting. Alexis Mendoza, a 19-year-old, now faces two counts of first-degree murder.
Additionally, 24-year-old Adrian Romo-Trejo is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, while 43-year-old Jesus Mendoza faces one count of aggravated battery.
The anguish of that fateful morning was compounded by the presence of David’s wife, Crystal Chavez, and their three young children who were in the vicinity as the violence erupted. Crystal recounted the heartbreaking events, revealing that her husband had initially tried to deter the aggressors by firing his weapon into the ground. His intention was to ward them off without causing harm. Tragically, the situation escalated, with the assailants returning to the scene, armed, and opening fire.
Antonio Muñoz lost his life instantly, while David Parra battled for survival, ultimately succumbing to his injuries at Franciscan Hospital in Olympia Fields. Crystal remembered her husband as a good-hearted individual who certainly did not deserve such a fate. She also lamented the loss of her cousin, Antonio, describing them both as exceptional individuals who left an indelible mark on those who knew them.