Many people in this country are relatively comfortable boasting about the rights afforded to those who live here. Many of those rights deal with the treatment of those who face criminal charges, including those who are charged with murder. Two men in Chicago will likely work to ensure that their rights are upheld as they go through the criminal process after being charged with murdering a teenager.
In late September, a 16-year-old suffered several gun shot wounds. Since then, police have arrested two men. The most recent arrest was of a 20-year-old. Police say that the victim and the accused were in rival gangs. A 21-year-old had previously been charged.
Although police claim that surveillance footage shows the defendants arrive and leave the scene where the shooting occurred, it does not appear that there is footage of the actual shooting. The most recent arrest occurred after a search of the man’s home, but it is unclear what evidence, if any, was obtained in that search. Reports indicate that the man was identified in a police lineup, but who identified him and what role that person played in the shooting is also unclear.
It is understandable that Chicago police would want justice to be served in regard to the death of the young man. However, it is important that the rights of the two men now charged with murder are upheld throughout the criminal process. One of the most important ones is the right to an attorney who can advocate for the best interests of those facing criminal charges. An experienced attorney can ensure that those facing criminal charges are treated fairly and are able to pursue the best possible outcome.
Source: CBS Chicago, “Second Suspect Charged In South Shore Murder“, , Oct. 8, 2014