A Community in Mourning: Father and Son Jewelers Slain in Brazen Chicago Robbery
Chicago, IL – A vibrant Saturday evening in Chicago’s Little Village, a neighborhood known for its rich Mexican-American culture and bustling commerce, was shattered by a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of a beloved father and son. Faustino Alamo Dominguez, 63, and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, 25, the proud owners of Joyeria Angelo, were shot and killed on November 8th while courageously attempting to stop a robber from fleeing their family-owned jewelry store. The tragic event, which marks the first recorded industry homicides of the year, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and the jewelry industry nationwide.
A Dream Turned into a Nightmare
Faustino Alamo Dominguez and Luis Angel Alamo were the embodiment of the American dream. Described by community members as a remarkably hardworking immigrant family, they had established their jewelry business through dedication and perseverance. After operating a shop in the nearby suburb of Cicero, they opened their Little Village location at 3851 W. 26th St. just two years ago, quickly becoming a fixture in the neighborhood. Their dream, however, turned into an unimaginable nightmare in a matter of seconds.
The harrowing incident unfolded at approximately 5:49 p.m. when a man, his identity partially obscured by a Chicago Blackhawks hoodie, entered Joyeria Angelo. Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the chillingly swift sequence of events. The suspect was inside the store for less than 30 seconds before he was seen running out, having apparently stolen merchandise.
What happened next was a testament to the Alamo family’s courage and dedication to their livelihood. One of the owners, believed to be Luis, immediately chased the thief into the bustling street, attempting to apprehend him. As the struggle ensued amidst traffic, Faustino rushed out to aid his son. The pursuit continued down the street, culminating in the robber pulling out a firearm and opening fire. Both Faustino and Luis suffered multiple gunshot wounds. They were rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The assailant fled the scene in a white Maserati SUV, leaving behind a community in shock and a family utterly devastated. Police later recovered about a dozen shell casings and some of the stolen jewelry scattered on the street.
A Community Grieves and Seeks Justice
In the wake of the tragedy, a growing memorial of flowers and candles adorns the entrance of Joyeria Angelo, a poignant symbol of the community’s grief and solidarity. Neighbors and fellow business owners expressed their shock and sorrow, remembering the Alamos as familiar and friendly faces. The family, who resided in Berwyn, is now grappling with an immense loss, with a relative stating, “We’re shattered, but we need justice.”
The violence has left many in the Little Village community feeling uneasy. While violent crime in Chicago has seen a decrease, commercial robberies have been on the rise, leaving family-owned businesses feeling particularly vulnerable.
In an effort to bring the perpetrator to justice, both the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) and Cook Country Crime-Stoppers are offering substantial rewards for information leading to an arrest. The JSA has pledged up to $10,000, while Crime-Stoppers is offering an additional $10,000.
A National Tragedy for the Jewelry Industry
The brutal killings of Faustino and Luis Alamo have resonated deeply within the jewelry industry. Scott Guginsky, the executive vice president of the JSA, confirmed that these were the first recorded industry homicides of the year, highlighting the rarity and severity of this event. JSA President Jennifer Mulvihill extended the organization’s condolences, stating, “It is extremely uncommon to see multiple jewelers killed during a robbery.”
The JSA is actively involved in the investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward. They have specifically asked for vigilance regarding individuals attempting to sell large quantities of jewelry or anyone who may have seen someone wearing an old-style Chicago Blackhawks jersey around the time of the incident.
The brother of Luis Alamo revealed that his brother had a gun license and was usually armed, but it remains unclear if he was carrying his weapon during the fatal chase or if he had a chance to defend himself. This tragic detail underscores the dangers that jewelers and small business owners face in the line of work.
The investigation into the double homicide is ongoing, with Area 4 detectives reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements. As a family, a community, and an industry mourn this profound loss, the hope for justice remains unwavering. The memory of Faustino and Luis Alamo, a father and son who stood together in life and in their final moments, will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew them.
