Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
Cicero Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing
A 54-year-old Cicero man is facing a murder charge in connection with the fatal stabbing of another man, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
Just before 4 a.m. on Jan. 19, Cook County Sheriff’s Police responded to the 5000 block of South Luna Avenue in unincorporated Stickney Township for a report of a stabbing and found a man and a woman with stab wounds.
Responding officers learned the offender, later identified as Fernando Zavala, ran from the scene wearing a bright orange coat. Following footprints in the snow, Sheriff’s Police officers located Zavala in the orange coat about four blocks away and took him into custody.
Both victims were taken into area hospitals for treatment. The 39-year-old man, Misael Martinez-Salgado, was later pronounced deceased. The 38-year-old woman has since been released from the hospital.
Sheriff’s Police Detectives learned that Zavala, who had been staying with the victims, argued with Martinez-Salgado that morning before stabbing him and the woman.
On Jan. 20, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved first degree murder and attempt first degree murder charges against Zavala. He was ordered to Cook County Jail custody on Jan. 21 following his first appearance hearing at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Court Victory: A Chicago Dad’s Fight to Reunite with His Son - February 11, 2026
- Richard Boykin, Candidate for 7th Congressional District Seat, Calls for National Legislation to Eliminate Unfair Swipe Fee Charges and Protect Consumers - February 11, 2026
- State Senate candidate Nick Uniejewski receives major endorsements in 6th District - February 10, 2026
