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Artist Slain in Pilsen After Talking to Alleged Killer's Girlfriend: Police

By Mauricio Peña | May 31, 2015 9:39am | Updated on June 1, 2015 8:32am
 Ulises Almaraz (r.) has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Rodolfo
Ulises Almaraz (r.) has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Rodolfo "Rudy" Avina.
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Facebook/Chicago Police

CHICAGO — The throat-slitting slaying of a popular local artist in a Pilsen bar over the weekend happened because the victim had been talking to the alleged killer's girlfriend, authorities said.

Ulises Almaraz, 29, killed Rodolfo "Rudy" Avina in an "unprovoked" attack at Simone's Bar in Pilsen, 960 W. 18th St., authorities allege.

In bond court Sunday, prosecutors said Almaraz was angry after seeing his girlfriend talking to Avina, whom she knew, according to the Sun-Times.

Almaraz —  who suffers from schizophrenia, according to his lawyer — grabbed Avina from behind and slit his throat, the Sun-Times reported.

The Berwyn man was arrested, charged with first degree murder and ordered held without bond.

The slaying happened at 12:40 a.m. Saturday. The 43-year-old Avina, of the 700 block of North Franklin Street in River North, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Saturday afternoon, Cafe Jumping Bean, 1439 W. 18th St., posted a touching tribute on its Facebook page to Avina, who had once lived in its building, according to the post.

"When you've been in business this long, your long-standing customers become your family. I know that I speak on behalf of all our Jumping Bean family, who over so many years had the honor and joy of witnessing and experiencing the absolute inspirational energy that Rudy exuded," the post read.

The post said that Avina was a loving partner and father to three children, in addition to being "a successful small-business owner; and a brother and dear friend to us all."

"Rudy was truly one of the friendliest, kindest people anyone could ever meet, who never hesitated for a second to help someone in need," the post read.

In October, Avina was among a close group of friends who created a mural on 18th Street in rememberance of war correspondent James Foley, who also had lived in Pilsen. While reporting on the Syrian Civil War, Foley was abducted and eventually killed by ISIS members last August.

Stephanie Lulay discusses Avina's connection to Foley:

Following Avina's violent death, Simone's was closed Saturday night.

"Words cannot express how sad we are. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Avina family," an employee wrote on the bar's Facebook page Saturday afternoon. "Rudy was one of our favorite regulars. Our staff and our patrons need a little time to process the loss."

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