Samuel Parsons-Salas, 32, is accused of murdering 3 people and shooting an additional person at Vera’s Lounge in Chicago, Illinois on December 11, 2022. Ricky Vera, 50, Mario Pozuelos, 26, and 24-year-old Mercedes Tavares were all killed. Samuel had just been released from prison on September 23, 2022.
A birthday party was being celebrated at Vera’s Lounge. Samuel was not invited but he still showed up to the party.
A small fight occurred in the lounge, and Samuel was told to leave. Samuel left and the fight spilled out into the parking lot.
Ricky is seen running towards Samuel, Samuel then allegedly fires several shots at Ricky. Cops say Samuel then shot Mercedes in the head. Mario was then shot, according to police.
The suspect then shot a 4th person, police say. The 4th victim survived and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Ricky, Mercedes, and Mario died at the scene. The suspect left the scene with a woman in an SUV. Prosecutors say Samuel forced the woman to leave with him.
Samuel was arrested on December 12, 2022 at an apartment. Samuel was allegedly holding a woman who was with him at the time of the shooting against her will.
Samuel has been charged with three counts of first degree murder and one count of armed kidnapping.
Officials have currently temporarily shutdown Vera’s Lounge, citing it as a public safety risk. Steps are being taken to make the shut down permanent.
