Kankakee Man Charged in Fatal Chick-fil-A Stabbing Attack

UPDATE: A 19-year-old Kankakee man has been charged in a shocking early morning stabbing at a Chick-fil-A in Oswego, Illinois, that left one man dead and another injured. Darryl Lee Jr. faces a total of 11 felony counts, including first-degree murder and armed robbery, following the incident on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

The fatal attack unfolded at approximately 3:10 a.m. when Lee allegedly broke into the restaurant located at 2740 U.S. Route 34 and confronted delivery driver Tracey J. Land, 52, of Bridgeview. Witnesses report that Lee attacked Land with both a hammer and a knife. Emergency services were alerted around 5 a.m. as police responded to reports of a stabbing in progress.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Lee being restrained by two maintenance workers who had intervened. One of the workers, a 20-year-old man, sustained injuries during the struggle and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition.

Tragically, police found Land inside the restaurant, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy conducted by the Kendall County Coroner’s Office revealed that Land suffered multiple traumatic injuries. The final cause of death is pending further investigation.

Oswego police have disclosed that after the alleged murder, Lee attempted to clean up the crime scene before exiting the restaurant around 4:56 a.m.. It was at this point that he attacked the maintenance worker from behind with a knife. Despite his injuries, the worker, aided by his mother, was able to subdue Lee until law enforcement arrived.

“This was an unprovoked attack and resulted in a tragic loss of life,” said Oswego Police Chief Jason Bastin. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragic incident. We are grateful for the bravery of those who intervened and for the coordinated response from our officers, fire personnel, and assisting agencies.”

As of now, Lee remains in custody at the Kendall County Jail and is scheduled for a hearing on Friday. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this violent incident, which has left a community in shock.

Residents and local officials are urged to remain vigilant as police enhance their presence in the area following this alarming event. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.