Peer pressure is a powerful force, especially among teenagers. When some teenagers get together, they act in ways they would never do so on their own. Illinois prosecutors would have people believe that a group of four teens who were allegedly together almost two years ago carried out a shocking crime. While peer pressure can be a driving force, it rarely ends in cold-blooded murder. However, one of the four teens has been charged with murder in an incident that left two people dead.
According to prosecutors, the four teens decided to go to the territory of a rival gang. While driving around, police claim they came across a group of men sitting on a front porch. One of the teenagers allegedly stayed in the car, and another entered an alley to act as a lookout. The other two reportedly approached the men on the porch.
Authorities allege that the two teenagers pulled guns out and shot two men. A 26-year-old man died at the scene, while a 27-year-old died at a local hospital from a gunshot wound to his stomach. Police claim an 18-year-old recently charged was the suspect who acted as a lookout.
It is unclear what evidence Illinois authorities have against the teenager. According to reports, one of the suspects was identified in a lineup, but that person has since passed away. While surveillance video shows a vehicle pulling into an alley before the shooting and leaving after, it is unclear if the video places the teenager currently charged with murder at the scene. In order to obtain a conviction, prosecutors have to provide evidence to prove a suspect’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, an often difficult standard to meet.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Man charged in 2012 double homicide, Rosemary Regina Sobol and Steve Schmadeke, Nov. 3, 2013