City Winery worker fatally stabbed in West Loop venue, authorities say
A man was fatally stabbed Wednesday afternoon inside City Winery in the West Loop, authorities said.
The victim, a 47-year-old man, was attacked by another man about 5 p.m. at the entertainment venue in the 1200 block of West Randolph Street, according to Chicago police.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the victim as Francois Reed-Swain. His death was ruled a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds.
Reed-Swain was rushed to Stroger Hospital with multiple cuts to his back and chest in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead, police said.
The alleged attacker, 41, was taken into custody, police said.
A spokesperson with the Chicago Fire Department said the victim and attacker both worked for the business. Michael Dorf, founder and CEO of City Winery, said in a statement Thursday that he was devastated by the loss of his staff to violence.
The venue planned to add security so that staff and guests “feel as comfortable and safe as possible,” Dorf wrote.”What we experienced is the opposite of what we try and deliver every day—joyous hospitality,” Dorf wrote. “Frank will be missed and his memory a blessing.”
More than an hour after the stabbing, West Randolph appeared quiet, with only a few pedestrians passing in front of the taped-off business that hosts concerts.
Police officers at the scene told arriving guests that Wednesday evening’s show with singer Danny Boy was canceled and that the venue would reopen Thursday.
A few would-be patrons lamented the sudden change in their evening plans. “Gotta find something else to do, I guess,” said one man as he returned to his car.
