Dockers Restaurant, a popular Fox Lake food and beverage spot on Pistakee Lake, became the scene Tuesday of what authorities have called an attempted murder-suicide.
An argument between two brothers started in the kitchen, and quickly escalated to gunshots fired inside and outside the establishment that left one man critically injured and the other dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The two brothers were later identified as Marciano Martinez, 63, and Mario Martinez-Benitez, 56.
Fox Lake police officers were dispatched to the restaurant at 33 W. Grand Ave. for a report of shots fired at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday. Outside the restaurant, police said they found Martinez, 63, dead, and Martinez-Benitez critically injured.
Fox Lake requested assistance from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force for evidence collection, and the area was cordoned off. The Lake County Coroner’s Office also responded.
Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli, the task force spokesperson, said, “The younger brother was transported to Advocate Condell Hospital in Libertyville, and the deceased individual was taken to the coroner’s office.”
Preliminary investigations released by the task force said the two brothers were previously co-owners of the restaurant. “The 63-year old man traveled to the restaurant, still owned by the younger brother, to confront him about an ongoing feud,” the task force said in a release.
The elder brother brandished a firearm and began firing the weapon in the kitchen area, authorities said.
“The younger brother was able to flee outside the restaurant, where his brother followed and continued shooting at him,” the release continued. “The younger brother collapsed from multiple gunshot wounds. Preliminary indications are the elder brother fatally shot himself before the arrival of first responders.”
Those who knew Martinez-Benitez were shocked and confused by the action, about which diners at the restaurant were unaware.
“Mario was a pillar of the community, well-liked and we sincerely hope he pulls through,” said Ashley Jasiak, who operates Nippersink Title, across from the restaurant.
Donald Kmiec, a friend of Martinez-Benitez, said, “He’s generous and supportive of my kids and the community through his generous contributions to the schools. He is a great man”
Fox Lake police detectives are leading the ongoing investigation.
Fox Lake Police Chief Jimmy Lee said investigators have recovered surveillance footage from inside and outside the restaurant.
“It’s not so much a ‘whodunnit,’ but why?” he said. “The victim is stabilized. We’re just waiting for an opportunity to be able to speak to him.”
Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit said Wednesday, “The village is deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
