2 men charged with beating homeless man to death in Belmont Cragin

Two men have been charged with beating a homeless man to death Wednesday night in the Northwest Side Belmont Cragin neighborhood.

Joaquin Clara, 51, was found dead about 9 p.m. in the 5900 block of West Fullerton, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

An autopsy Friday found he suffered blunt-force injuries to his head, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. His death was ruled a homicide.

Rogelio Arroyo, a 31-year-old from the Galewood neighborhood, and Thomas Ocasio, a 46-year-old from the West Elsdon neighborhood, were both charged with a felony count of first-degree murder in connection to Clara’s death, police said.

Arroyo’s bond was set at $1 million at a court appearance Saturday, according to Cook County sheriff’s office records. His next court appearance was scheduled for Monday.

Ocasio’s bond was denied, according to sheriff’s office records. His next court appearance was scheduled for Monday.

Clara was a father of three and grandfather of nine, according to family members.

A GoFundMe page has been started to help with funeral expenses.