Two brothers in Illinois have been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a restaurant owner, Joshua Kirkwood, who was reportedly in a relationship with their mother. The incident occurred on February 8 at Forty One Fourteen Steaks and Seafood, located on North Green Bay Road in Waukegan, Illinois.
According to the Waukegan Police Department, officers responded to the scene at approximately 11:27 p.m. and found 51-year-old Kirkwood suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was transported to Vista Medical Center East, where he succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy conducted by the Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Kirkwood died from multiple sharp force injuries.
Police stated that the attack appeared to be “domestically related,” as Kirkwood was in a relationship with the suspects’ mother. One of the suspects, 21-year-old Iziah Gonzalez from Round Lake, was employed at the restaurant along with his mother. Reports indicate that an argument between Kirkwood and the mother escalated into a physical altercation involving Gonzalez. His 16-year-old brother, whose name has not been released due to his age, then joined in and began stabbing Kirkwood. Their mother sustained a leg injury during the altercation and later sought medical treatment at Vista Medical Center.
At the time of the incident, an event was taking place at the restaurant, which authorities clarified was unrelated to the stabbing. Reports from NBC 5 Chicago indicate that the event was a gender reveal party.
Following the attack, Gonzalez sustained a laceration to his finger and was taken into custody, where he provided a statement. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held at Lake County Jail. His 16-year-old brother, who police identified as the individual who inflicted the fatal stab wounds, turned himself in on February 10 after law enforcement efforts to locate him were unsuccessful. He is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder.
The mother has not been charged in connection with the incident. Kirkwood, a father of four, was known for his vision of creating a welcoming community space at his restaurant. His tragic death has left family, friends, and local residents mourning his loss.
