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Five Teens Charged in Shooting Death of 17-Year-Old

Four of the teens have been issued a Class X felony charge, which can carry a 30-year prison sentence.

 

Police have arrested and charged five teenagers after a Chicago teen was shot and killed in a Chicago Heights park on Nov. 3. 

Mikah Darko, 17, of Chicago, was shot near 15th and Hanover streets and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Witnesses told police Darko was in the park when two men approached him and started shooting. 

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On Nov. 4, Chicago Heights police detectives and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force arrested four suspects in connection with the shooting. Police arrested two more suspects Nov. 5., and after further investigation five teens were issued a total of 18 charges.

  • Joshua A. Dean, 19, of the 12100 block of South Bishop in Chicago, was charged with armed violence, unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm and felony mob action. His bail was set at $300,000. 
  • Derrell J. Edwards, 18, of the 12100 block of South Bishop in Chicago, was charged with armed violence, unlawful use of a weapon by a gang member and felony mob action. His bail was set at $500,000. 
  • Otis M. Pruitt, 19, of the 12500 block of South Indiana Avenue in Chicago, was charged with unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm and felony mob action. His bail was set at $200,000. 
  • Cortez A. Hurst, 18, of the 1400 block of Center Avenue in Chicago Heights, was charged with armed violence, unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm, unlawful use of a firearm, theft from a person and felony mob action. His bail was set at $2,000,000. 
  • Rhonzell F. Ard, 17, of the 1400 block of Center Avenue in Chicago Heights, was charged with armed violence, unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm, unlawful use of a firearm, theft from a person and felony mob action. His bail was set at $2,000,000.

Police noted that an armed violence charge is considered a Class X felony in Illinois, which can carry a six- to 30-year prison sentence.  Police recovered five weapons, two of which were reported stolen. 

All five men are scheduled to appear in Markham Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 26.

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Related Topics: Police, Shooting, Teens Arrested, armed violence, and charges

Tammy

6:41 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Yes I sure do. I'm Micah's cousin and which ever one of these cold, blooded, heartless animals that shot and killed him I hope he never have one night of peaceful sleep. How could u kill someone and go back and rob him. U will burn n HE'LL! Not only did u ruin our family, but now u have ruined 5 other families lives.

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Sexy red

7:35 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

It is sad when stupid teens kill for no reason at all. I'm deeply sorry for what happened to Mikah, my prayers are out there for his family and I hope they all get what they deserve even though it won't bring him back but at least we will kno that justice was served

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Sunshine36

8:14 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

TO THE HEIGHTS..Please keep your comments to urself since u obviously have no clue as to what happened. Micah is not here to tell his story but, obviously they STOLE HIS money since they are charged with robbery IN ADDITION to multiple other charges, u idiot! And the victim was not the perpetrator. So I suggest u get ur facts right before u post another comment abt this senseless murder! And from the looks of these ugly fools, u better make sure ur door is locked at night! Since u think they were the victims. I hope they do burn in HELL.

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June Whitehand

8:24 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Ok, pointing fingers and ranting will do nothing to keep the violence off our streets.

If you understand what led to this horrific situation, then you have an idea what needs to be done to stop it from happening over and over again and ruining hundreds of families.

It starts with the parents teaching about consequences, and then it moves into the schools and general community. As a society we have to stop celebrating criminals and murders---and push our kids to excel in math, science, set their dreams higher and help them see a what to make those dreams happen. Otherwise they end up trapped in the crime and violence.

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Sunshine36

8:33 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thanks for ur comments June, but TEENagers will be teenagers. I can't speak for these grown adults making mistakes. But at the end of the day, no one deserved to die, bottom line. And the thought of these Zoo animals killing someone says a lot abt the hood rats that raised them!

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Michael Wright

1:43 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

No, "Sunshine36"...your comment that "TEENagers will be teenagers." IS WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE MINDSET OF EVERYONE YOUNGER THAN ME (AND I'M 58): WHERE ARE THE PARENTS OF THESE SO-CALLED TEENAGERS BEING JUST TEENAGERS?! WHERE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCIPLINE?! WHERE IS MOM AND DAD?! WHEN IN THE WORLD DID THE ADULTS START ALLOWING THE "TEENAGERS" TO RUN AMOK WITHOUT ANY CONSEQUENCE?! IS IT BECAUSE MOM & DAD ARE ALSO TEENAGERS WHEN THEY GIVE BIRTH TO THESE POOR EXCUSES FOR HUMAN BEINGS?! LET'S START WITH PARENTS PARENTING THEIR CHILDREN AND SETTING POSITIVE EXAMPLES WITH LOVE, DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY. SHAME ON THE PARENTS/GUARDIANS WHO DON'T KNOW WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE AND SHAME ON THE COMMUNITY WHO EXPECTS EVERYONE ELSE TO RAISE AND PAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN, BUT THEN GET ALL UPSET WHEN THE COMMUNITY (AND THIS INCLUDES THE POLICE) TRIES TO DO THEIR JOBS. ANYONE WHO HOUSES THESE CRIMINALS AND PROTECTS THEM SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN JAIL TIME. ENOUGH WITH BABYING THESE POOR EXCUSES FOR HUMAN BEINGS. THEY ARE NOT MEN, THEY'RE LITTLE BOYS IN BIGGER BODIES WHO STAND ON STREET CORNERS AND HANG OUT AT PARKS AFTER CURFEW. TROUBLE COMES LOOKING AND TROUBLE FINDS THEM. THEY SHOULD BE HOME UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF THEIR PARENTS. AND IF THE PARENTS CAN'T BE HOME WATCHING OVER THEIR CHILDREN, THEN THEY HAVE TO STOP HAVING THEM. QUIT BRINGING MORE LIVES INTO THIS WORLD THAT YOU CAN'T OR WON'T CHOOSE TO PROPERLY PARENT AND RAISE INTO DECENT, LAW-ABIDING HUMAN BEINGS.

Sunshine36

9:58 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

To the heights....ur first set of comments said alot, now I see u changing ur tone. Most of us are expressing our thoughts on the SUSPECTS that were ARRESTED, yet u continue to write like you are the attorney handling the case so once again keep all your speculations as to what happened and how, to urself. The police did they job and arrested these goons so let the facts come out in the court room! The headline says Five Teens charged in the shooting death of 17 yr old, so regardless of the charges listed, they are behind bars and no longer able to take anymore lives. Lets just let the justice system work. And hopefully whatever they get charged with, they will remain behind bars like caged animals belong!

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John62Boy

5:07 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sunshine36, every one arrested wasnt there when the (Gun Sale or Trade) took place and that is a fact.

Juvenal

10:30 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Was Yale on fall break? Those Skull & Bones hazings are just so over the top....

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Sunshine36

10:34 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

About time! Good night to you too. SMH

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the heights

10:48 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Already told the police that's why I know it to be the truth. Bail out the kids who were with Micah and they'll tell you the same or ask their parents. It not always as it appears. SORRY.

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Sunshine36

10:48 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Also I see u tookl ur comments off! Don't worry I got a screen shot!

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the heights

10:54 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Sorry for your loss I truly am . And while the shooters aren't Angels by any means they aren't Animals either.

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John62Boy

5:07 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

the heights,when one speaks! It shouldnt never be out of turn. He or she then looks foolish. The remark as to the shooters thats plural mean more than one right, "but everyone arrested did not pull the trigger and or wasnt their ! (Get the Facts not Fiction as this Bolog wants you to (Believe).

the heights

10:59 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Everyone in the heights knows the truth. Not justifying anything or anyone. It's just aggravating when the facts get twisted, as I'm sure you will agree.

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the heights

11:22 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

I Agree and I have. I think we all want to see justice but not everyone is going to be happy with the out come. And can we agree just because they are 17 -19 they aren't men they are children who want to be grown making very bad decisions . And if we don't somehow someway help them do better we are Screwed. The Heights has its problems but a high murder rate isn't one of them. All but 1 of the kids are from the same part of the City. Not pointing the finger just sayin...

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Sunshine36

11:24 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Anyone that takes a life goes home and for the next two days, doesn't bother going to the police to turn themselves in, yet has to be ARRESTED, is ANIMAL. Point blank. If u think that's ok, Maybe ur background needs to be checked as well! If they shot him in self defense they should of been men and went to the police they self instead of having to be tracked down like the animals get are! That's why they will forever be animals no matter what u or anyone says. If u man enough to commit a crime, Atleast go to the police and tell ur story first! And then let the police do they job.

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John62Boy

5:07 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sunshine36, have you ever taken a life? If your answer is no (PLZ) do us a favor dont speak as to another persons thought process as to death. There's only (ONE that Sit's HIGH and Looks LOW. "That is (GOD) may you find him "NOW"!

the heights

12:02 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Unlike many other black communities when things like this occur we snitch in the heights it keeps the murder rate down. All parents in all communities do the same it will slow down. Ask your kid what they know , take them to the station and the police do their job, this is one of those situations. It didn't take the 1st 48 just realistic parents.

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Ginger

4:30 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

You should be water boarded for this comment, or worse. Maybe they should also free Charles Manson. Idiot.

smurf

9:17 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

where is the first degree murder charges????????? the way the charges read they could be out in 2 to 4 years with a 6 year sentence. My question is wheere is the justice???????????/

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Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.

11:54 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

I do not mean to sound clever, or in any way make light of this situation with my following comment.

This is a tragedy that we must recognize as a product of two distinct yet related issues:
1) The decline in how families raise their children.
2) The fact that there is very little blue collar living wage employment throughout minority communities of greater Chicago.

We try to find all type of reasons to lay blame for terrible incidents like this. However, during times of economic stability we see significantly less violence and more family unity.

I cannot offer any insight into how we should demand more private sector jobs, however,employment is the solution. Employed persons have much more to lose compared to unemployed persons.

My heart aches for these six children and their families.

I know we all want to voice our opinion about things that affect us. We are adults, we need to think more critically about why these things happen, and then determine what would be the most logical solution to correcting them.

My condolences to the victim and to the suspect's families because they are their way to suffer an enormous amount of pain.

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JG12

11:54 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

To be honest, Micah was doing something he had no bussiness. Doing he was trying to buy a gun and got robbed. He had a gun but it was taken by the two that approafhed him. I know he's gone, so I'm gone say RIP. he wasn't so innocent though.

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fearnone

1:43 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

FREE MY LIL MANS ZELLY AND CORTEZ

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Ginger

4:46 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

Yes! Free your "Lil Mans Zelly and Cortez." Great idea! And maybe after we free them they can rob, shoot, and participate in more illegal activities. Please...do something constructive with your life like join the military or get an education. Your ghetto babble and ignorance is plain stupid.

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John62Boy

5:07 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Ginger, you express attitude and anger without a lot of for thought as to being adjective! In which leave's you (Babbling sound like and Idoit)! They are not charged with robber, its theft of a person. ("No matter what you may think")! Yes, the act it self was (Cold) and (Callous) which gose directly to there mentality. "No, not now or ever as a people do we want that thought process to go unchecked", "no not in any formal society"...... and for those young people! Who may think there actions where some how "ok"! " (You'll need some serious help and prayer.) "Dont let, what happen to them be apart of your future"! (May you find the help you need to change your life before being arrested and put in (Jail). "Thank you for your reading and your comments.

Sunshine36

5:26 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

First let me say this will be my last comment becuz I'm tired of reading these ignorant post l! I never once said he was innocent. ALL of these ppl were wrong in what they were doing, not just Micah but NO ONE deserved to pay the ultimate cost, thr LIFE for this mistake. We can all sit on here and talk abt no jobs, the economy and the parents. But the fact remains the police caught these fools so hopefully the justice system will make a example out of them so that these kids will think abt thr actions before they are so quick to pull the the trigger. As previously stated thr actions messed up more than just one family. We all have been affected so now it's time for them to pay for there actions! Bottom line.. Thank you to everyone that has expressed thr condolences and to those hoping these goons get out, u better watch ur back when u are around them. Once a killer, always a killer. Better READ YOUR BIBLES, THO SHALL NOT KILL

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misskeepprayin

4:43 am on Thursday, November 15, 2012

I feel sorry for the family expescially the mothers of these boys I don't give a dam what u on welfare the link or if u parent working hard my heart goes out to u

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teon

2:41 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012

Teon
R.I.P Micah Darko He Gone And Aint Coming Back So Whoever Locked Up For His Murder Should Stay In There For The Rest Of They Life

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celo

1:23 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012

And the people tlm bout free the guys can move around! They DON'T need to be free,let them stay in there! They deserve to stay in there all their life,they need to think about what they did !

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gucci

1:23 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012

B.I.P Paco... The dudes that killed him should stay where they at.! #forreal

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celo

1:23 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012

This girl keep talking about LINK are you mad that you don't have it or something ? I don't understand ! Why does Link matter..it doesn't matter what type of money it is,Money is money foreal! Girl you can swerve

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celo

1:23 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012

Who ever killed my cousin can rot in H*** foreal!b Nad Mrs.godfella we don't need your sympathy so keep it to yourself young lady

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mike

1:23 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012

I think that is very ignorant of someone to say they don't feel sorry for a deceased minor. What find of monster are you. No one deserves to die, especially a child. No matter if his parents were neglectful. He has only done what he was taught. #Loser

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12duce!

11:44 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

I tell u what for zelle n Cortez it's best that they stay in jail bcuz if their released they will be dead in a week from that day, so it's best they stay in. Now run tell that!

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Ginger

4:30 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

Or what "12duce" you or one of your home boys are gonna shoot them? Get a life. Better yet, get educated and learn the English language. "Now run tell that!" I mean...what??? Disgusting.

Chief Girl

5:49 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Zelly looked like Chief Keef , he was a sweet boy TO ME ! I never thought he would mess up his life like this ... Smh he was so fine

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Chief Girl

5:49 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Im gone miss his CHOCOLATE SELF

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Az

7:38 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012

Who is John62boy? You speak as you know my nephew? He was just a kid moving through this place we call life !

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John62Boy

7:38 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012

It is very sad that a young preson died! But do we know how he really lived? To make judgements without all the unknown facts and unknown answers to the questions that have not been answered. We leave ourselves open to pain and despair assocated with finding out the unknown truth. Please, give this a good read. (THE FOLLOWING).... This Article speaks as if the person die as a victim (Yes) he was of is own circumstances. Lets look into the part he played. Why was he there? Mikah Darko, was from Chicago,IL and he being made out to be a innocent victim. There are three(3) other youths that are from (Chicago) allegedly charged with(Unlawful Sale or Delivery of a Firearm) and (Mob Action) all live in the same area; " so this is not that where someone happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is nothing more than a (GUN SALE) gone bad. If, Mikah Darko, was still here with us he to like those other teens would have been charged and arrested by the Police. So,there are still unanswered questions as to the whole part Mikah Darko, played into is own death. Please, hold out until the all evidence has been intered and the unknown questions have been answered. THANK YOU !!! for your reading and your comments...

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babytalk

7:38 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012

Zelly and Cortez my heart go out to you and your families, I'm so sorry you guys got caught up in this situation I've known both of you guys for sometime now you were very respectful young men what happened? I will be praying for you guys!!!

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demog

7:38 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thats crazy how Cortez n zelly through away they life like dat but ona other hand sorry for the lost

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John62Boy

10:21 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012

I speak, as and adult being a wayward (Teen) finding my way through life. I have bent a few corners and know how hard it can be as a (Teen) to find your place in this life. Even as an adult we make bad choice's and hope it wouldnt be the one choice or choice's that cause pain for self,others and loved one's. But, it teaches us either how to be responsible or irresponsible by our choice's. So, to those teens i will be praying for your deliverance.... THANK YOU!!! For your time in reading and your comments... AND TO ALL HAVE A SAFE AN HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!

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chicago heightssss

10:43 am on Monday, November 26, 2012

(CHI-HTS )mannnnn im sorry for yall lost but FREE MY BAEEEEE CORTEZ HURST ! im not justifying watever he did but, hey its lifee FREE CORTEZ !

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john doe

10:43 am on Monday, November 26, 2012

everyone deserves a second chance. no one truley knows wt happen but the guys that were there. its is sad and im sorry for your lost but were hurting too. we miss our family member weather there in the wrong or not. Everything happens for a reason but there all blessings. Free CORTEZ, we missing you !

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broken heart

10:43 am on Monday, November 26, 2012

I have this to say my son was killef on a senseless act. Im very hurt and destroy its steel fresh to me lm not going to never faught anyones parenting we all know as well a child has his own mine at a certain age we only could guide them. Praying supporting them mentally financially spiritully and with the blink of an eye we could say what happen. Its not the parents im very unhappy life has change i feel empty brcause hes not here buy icant fault their parents satin gets threw our children i sympathize fot the mother of this child that was killed. I will pray for the familiy.and parents of all five victim

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SharonC

4:33 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012

wow i read all these comments...and its so sad...all the anger, hatred, etc...all i have to say is this...READ YOUR BIBLES..."THOU SHALL NOT KILL"....i am praying for all that was involved...and leave it in gods hands..he's the almighty..more powerful than anyone, attorneys, judges, etc...and no one can change that!!!!!! God bless all of you :)

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who cares

5:41 am on Monday, December 3, 2012

No keep zelly in there..I don't care if you miss him! I hope he never see another day of daylight! I'm sorry but this is how I feel..he doesn't deserve another chance..

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who cares

5:41 am on Monday, December 3, 2012

For the all the people talking bout free zelly screw YOU! For all I care you can be in there with him bastards

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john jakeup jingle himmer SMITH

5:20 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012

i could care less about wat chall think ! NOBODY KNO WAT HAPPENED FREE C O R T E Z !

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robyn

9:18 am on Friday, December 7, 2012

If it so easy to take a life then they can stay locked up to end theirs own life . Everyone saying free them well then I want to say good morning to my nephew but I can't so who and what is going to free us from pain of a lost love one .

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robyn

1:02 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012

All I want is the family of the killers is to grow up and say something nice to the victim mother instead of staring in court like she did wrong because she wouldn't do or act like that she too much of a kind person she care for kids and do for them in and out of the community she always been down with it take a village to raise a child

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John62Boy

4:39 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

You dont really know any facts or the people involved (Robyn). First of all, only one of the boys pulled the trigger and nobody at this point knows why. Again there are not charger in a (killing death). Now ask yourself why? So like i have said before wait on all the eviedence an facts. We do know that they have been incarcerated and charged with whatever crimes this (STATE) has or are going to file in this case at this point for over a (Month). So, as far as it being a (Shooting Death) it was but not as if it was a (Murder)... And one out of the five boys charged wasnt even there. There were things said in a open forum to the effect of saddness for there lose; as any parent should and could feel about anyones lose because it could have been there own child.

Yung livin Savage

10:50 am on Friday, May 17, 2013

Chief girl he aint mess his life up bro dem will be home

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