A birthday party in East Garfield Park turned violent earlier this month when a 42-year-old Venezuelan migrant stabbed two fellow migrants during a series of confrontations, prosecutors said.
Douglas Nunez is charged with two counts of attempted murder after a children’s party derailed early on September 7 in the 2900 block of West Wilcox Street.
Prosecutors said the gathering started around 5 p.m. with games and activities for kids but shifted to an adult-oriented celebration by late evening, with karaoke, dancing, and beer. Witnesses told investigators no one appeared drunk or out of control.
Around 2 a.m., an argument broke out between Nunez and a 19-year-old man over cleanliness issues in the apartment. When the man’s 43-year-old father stepped in, Nunez allegedly shoved him, warning, “This is how the argument will end.”
Friends tried to de-escalate by leading Nunez to his bedroom, but tensions flared again when he returned. Prosecutors said he pulled a small knife and stabbed a 29-year-old man in the chest. The wound was described as minor, but the situation inside the crowded apartment continued to escalate.
Moments later, Nunez allegedly launched a more brutal attack. Prosecutors said he stabbed another man multiple times, causing the victim to collapse backward, toppling his 43-year-old father to the floor. Nunez then climbed on top of the father and repeatedly stabbed him until another man pushed him off, according to a detention filing.
At least one partygoer reported that Nunez brandished the knife to keep others at bay before fleeing in his Toyota Prius.
The wounded victims managed to drive themselves to Area 4 police headquarters, where officers called in EMS. Both stabbing victims were rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. While officers were speaking to witnesses, they noticed Nunez circling the station in his car, according to the detention filing. Police pulled him over and recovered a bloody knife from the vehicle.
During questioning, Nunez allegedly claimed he acted in self-defense. Judge Shauna Boliker ordered him detained pending trial.
