Lake County, Illinois prosecutors have dropped the felony murder charges they filed a month ago against five teens whose friend was shot and killed during an alleged burglary attempt. The charges drew heavy attention when they were announced, and on Thursday the State’s Attorney’s office said it had reached an agreement with defense attorneys for lesser charges.
State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said in a statement that the facts still supported the original charge, but that after reviewing the evidence, the defense presentation and the wishes of the victim’s family, his office chose a different path. In his words, the agreement “ensures all offenders will be held responsible and face appropriate sentences.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, the only adult in the group, an 18 year old named Diamond from Chicago, was scheduled to appear in Lake County bond court Thursday afternoon. Under the deal, she is expected to be charged with felony conspiracy to commit burglary and misdemeanor criminal trespass to a motor vehicle. The Tribune reported that she is expected to waive her preliminary hearing and plead guilty to both charges next week.
The other four teens are 16 and 17 years old. Nerheim said their cases will move to juvenile court, where the felony murder charge will be dismissed. Because of strict laws that protect juvenile proceedings, he said his office cannot share details about the charges they will face going forward, and Baller Alert is not naming them.
The group had been dubbed the “Lake County Five.” They were charged with murder after one of their friends was shot by a homeowner in the Old Mill Creek area during an attempted burglary. The homeowner told police the group was in his driveway near one of his cars in the early morning hours of August 13.
We will keep you posted as this case moves forward.
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