Tragedy struck the West Loop's City Winery on Wednesday evening when a 47-year-old employee was allegedly murdered by a coworker before a night of soulful serenades could unfold. Clarence Johnson, 41, of Bellwood, stands accused of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Francois H. Reed-Swain, a fellow employee at the popular Chicago venue, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Authorities say Johnson was arrested at about 5:23 p.m., shortly after the alleged attack. Johnson is scheduled for a detention hearing where more details are expected to shed light on the incident. While struggling to make sense of the violence at a place dedicated to "joyous hospitality," City Winery's CEO, Michael Dorf, conveyed his devastation over losing a staff member to such senseless violence, according to the Chicago Tribune.
On the night planned to be filled with positive vibes by R&B artist Danny Boy Steward, chaos ensued, cutting the melody short. Steward recalled his fleeting encounter with Reed-Swain before the tragedy, describing him as "very kind" and excited for the show, Steward recounted in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. With their performance abruptly canceled, the artist and his band were evacuated to an alley along with at least 10 employees,' some of whom were in tears with the band after the traumatic event unfolded.
As the city copes with the fresh shadow of violence cast over it, Steward's perception of safety has been tarnished. "You almost feel not safe everywhere you go now, and this is proof of it," the shaken singer told the Chicago Sun-Times. In the wake of the killing, Dorf announced the winery's closure the following Thursday to provide counseling for employees who that traumatic event, the restaurant was affected by.
The suspect, Clarence Johnson, remains in police custody as the community mourns the loss of Reed-Swain, whose life ended in a sadly familiar refrain of urban violence. An autopsy further confirmed multiple stab wounds as the cause of death, ruling it a homicide. Michael Dorf, and many others, hold Reed-Swain's memory as a blessing, a sharp counterpoint to the grief and fear that now hangs heavy over the establishment he once graced with his service.
