Waukegan Restaurateur Stabbed to Death During Gender Reveal Party

Joshua Kirkwood, a 51-year-old restaurant owner in Waukegan, Illinois, was fatally stabbed during a gender reveal party at his establishment on February 8. The incident escalated from a heated argument between Kirkwood and his girlfriend, the restaurant's manager, leading to the involvement of her two sons. The 16-year-old son allegedly stabbed Kirkwood multiple times with a kitchen knife, while his brother, 21-year-old Iziah Gonzalez, faces murder charges for his role in the altercation. Kirkwood, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, leaves behind four children, and the community has expressed its mourning for his loss. Eyewitnesses reported that the celebration turned tragic, reflecting on Kirkwood's dream of creating a welcoming venue in Waukegan. Local officials and friends have shared condolences, emphasizing the impact of this violent event on the community.