Anyone who has been to a party knows the chaos that can ensue. Sometimes, there are large crowds of people with vastly different personalities and backgrounds, many of whom may be meeting for the first time. To complicate the confusion, they could be loud due to a large number of people talking amid loud music in the background. Occasionally, tensions can flare and possibly lead to violence. A recent party in Illinois has left a teenager charged with attempted murder.
The incident occurred in mid-February. Police reports indicate that four people at a party were fighting. As a result, a teenager allegedly fired four shots at another party goer. Although one man suffered minor injuries, the wounds were not serious enough to require medical treatment.
It was unclear what may have started the altercation or if the teenager now charged with a crime may have feared for his life. He now faces several charges that include attempted murder, battery and other drug and gun-related charges. It is unknown when the accused was scheduled to appear in court.
In this country, people who are charged with crimes, including those charged with attempted murder, have certain rights that must be upheld throughout the entire criminal process. For example, those who are suspected of or accused of a crime are presumed innocent until, and solely if, a guilty conviction is obtained. In order for that to happen, Illinois prosecutors must provide enough evidence to remove a reasonable doubt of the teenager’s guilt. If prosecutors are unable to meet that standard, the accused cannot be found guilty.
Source: CBS Chicago, Teen Charged With Attempted Murder In Waukegan, No author, Feb. 21, 2014