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

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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