ZION, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Zion teenager has pleaded not guilty to first degree murder in the death of a woman who was in her home, reportedly reading to her child when she was struck by a stray bullet.
The fatal shooting occurred on October 17 and authorities said the 23-year-old Zion woman was not targeted.
Lake County prosecutors said Zechariah Myles, 16 has now been arraigned and will be charged as an adult with the murder of Melanie Yates, who was shot while she was at home with her infant child.
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force determined that Myles exited his home and fatally shot Yates while shooting a rifle at another individual.
“We will seek justice for the Yates family in the courtroom; we will pursue a sentence that deters others from entering a life of violence," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.
Myles pleaded not guilty to the charges at a virtual hearing Wednesday morning before Lake County Circuit Judge George Strickland, who set a case management hearing for Feb. 15.
He faces six counts of first degree murder and is being held in custody with bail set at $3 million.
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