Authorities in Chicago’s West Loop have charged a 41-year-old man in connection with the deadly stabbing of a coworker early on Wednesday night at City Winery. First-degree murder charges have been brought against Bellwood resident Clarence Johnson for allegedly stabbing his 47-year-old coworker Francois Reed-Swain, who passed away at Stroger Hospital. The well-liked eatery and venue saw a stabbing just before Chicago-born R&B musician Danny Boy was due to perform.
After the stabbing, the event was abruptly cancelled, and the performer had just finished his soundcheck. Around five o’clock in the evening, according to officials, the man was repeatedly stabbed with a knife at City Winery, located in the 1200 block of West Randolph Street. Authorities said Reed-Swain was rushed to Stroger Hospital in serious condition after suffering multiple lacerations to his back and chest. Later, the hospital declared him dead.
Johnson was detained on the spot, according to the police. Area Three detectives are presently looking into the stabbing incident, although they do not yet know the circumstances behind it. On Thursday, although the company was closed, City Winery employees had access to counsellors, according to Michael Dorf, the company’s founder and CEO. Johnson’s detention hearing is set to take place in court on Friday.
