West Side Horror: 21-Year-Old Rey Gonzalez Charged with Attempted Murder After Brutal Stabbing of 43-Year-Old Francisco Fernandez

Chicago, IL – May 22, 2025 — A young man from Chicago is facing serious legal consequences following his arrest on Wednesday in connection with a vicious stabbing that left a 43-year-old man critically injured on the city’s West Side. Rey Gonzalez, 21, has been charged with four felony offenses, including attempted first-degree murder.

Arrest and Charges

According to authorities, Gonzalez was taken into custody by members of the Chicago Police Department in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The arrest occurred in the 3100 block of West Harrison Street, just one day after investigators were able to identify Gonzalez as the suspect in the brutal attack.

Gonzalez is now facing the following felony charges:

• Attempted First-Degree Murder
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
• Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm
• Mob Action Involving Violence

Each of these charges carries potentially severe penalties, especially the attempted murder count, which could result in decades of imprisonment if convicted.

Incident Details

The violent stabbing incident took place in the 2800 block of South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Officials say Gonzalez is accused of not only stabbing the victim but also physically assaulting him during the encounter.

The 43-year-old male victim sustained multiple serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. As of Thursday morning, no update has been given on his current medical condition, but officials described his injuries as “life-threatening” in early reports.

Investigation Still Ongoing

At this time, police have not released any further details about what led up to the confrontation. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other, nor have they disclosed any possible motive behind the attack. It also remains unclear whether any other individuals were involved or witnessed the incident, although the inclusion of a “mob action” charge suggests that multiple people may have been present during or immediately before the attack.

Investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, and piece together the events that led to the stabbing. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Court Proceedings and Legal Path Ahead

Rey Gonzalez was scheduled to appear at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on Thursday for a detention hearing. At that hearing, a judge was expected to determine whether Gonzalez should remain in custody or be released while awaiting trial.

Given the severity of the charges and the nature of the crime, prosecutors are expected to request that Gonzalez be held without bail. Further court dates will be scheduled depending on the outcome of the detention hearing.

Legal experts suggest that the case could hinge on both forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony. If convicted on all counts, Gonzalez could face a sentence exceeding 30 years in prison.

Community Concerns

The stabbing has sparked fresh concerns about public safety on the West Side, particularly in areas already struggling with elevated rates of violent crime. Community leaders have called for both justice in this case and broader efforts to address the root causes of violence in the area.

“This was a horrific act of violence, and our hearts go out to the victim and his loved ones,” said one local activist. “But we also need to ask hard questions about why incidents like this continue to happen and what more can be done to prevent them.”

Final Notes

As the investigation continues, the Chicago Police Department has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the city awaits further details that might shed light on what led to this shocking incident.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the CPD tip line or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.