CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. — A 50-year-old man from Chicago Heights has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder after stabbing two teenage brothers, resulting in the death of one of them. The tragic incident took place on Monday afternoon at Harold Park, where the siblings were enjoying the warm weather.
According to Chicago Heights police, officers responded to a disturbance call near 15th and Hanover streets around 3:50 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered two teenage boys with stab wounds. The boys’ mother shared that her sons, accompanied by their sister, had been playing on the playground when the suspect, identified as Oronde Hardy, approached them and exhibited odd and hostile behavior.
In a bid to protect themselves, the brothers confronted Hardy and instructed him to leave them alone. Sadly, this request escalated into a heated argument, culminating in Hardy stabbing both boys. Authorities rushed 13-year-old David Sanchez to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. His 14-year-old brother, on the other hand, was treated at Stroger Hospital and has since been released.
Hardy managed to flee the scene, but law enforcement successfully tracked him down and apprehended him on Wednesday. The accused remains in custody at Cook County Jail.
In the wake of this devastating loss, the Sanchez family has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses for young David Sanchez. The funeral is scheduled to take place on March 7.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy that can unfold even in supposedly safe public spaces. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, law enforcement will continue their efforts to ensure justice for the victims.