Prosecutors have a difficult job. When a crime happens, they are urged by a public demanding justice to bring about charges and secure a conviction. Despite this pressure, they must attempt to ensure that there is enough evidence for a conviction before bringing a case to trial, simultaneously preserving the rights of suspected criminals and of victims or their surviving family members. After a shooting in Chicago, two men have now been charged with murder, along with other crimes.
The charges are a result of an incident that occurred in early September. According to police claims, three men reportedly opened fire on the front porch of a house where people were gathered. As a result, a 16-year-old died after being transported to an area hospital. A 24-year-old male was injured, but expected to survive. The shooting was allegedly over accusations of a stolen gun.
One of the alleged gunmen, a 23-year-old, was arrested earlier and faces several charges. The second suspected gunman, a 25-year-old, was most recently captured. A search of his home recovered a sweatshirt that matches an eyewitness’s description, but no gun. The third suspected gunman has not been arrested at this time. The surviving victim is reportedly refusing to cooperate with police.
It is extremely important that the perpetrators of this crime are caught and brought to justice. However, at this point there seems to be very little evidence linking the two men charged with murder. The majority of the evidence seems to hinge on eyewitness statements, which is not always reliable. Chicago prosecutors will have to prove that these men are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which may be difficult based on the available evidence at this time
Source: CBS Chicago, Second Gunman Charged In Fatal Roseland Shooting, No author, Sept. 6, 2013