CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The teen arrested and accused of being the Benito Juarez Academy shooter appeared in bond court Saturday on counts of first degree murder and attempted murder, among a list of other charges.
At the Leighton Criminal Court building on California Avenue, prosecutors asked that 16-year-old Christian Acevedo be held on mandatory no bail — a requirement if a life sentence is a possibility.
Prosecutors described the events of Dec. 16 as students at Juarez Academy were let out for the day, and they accused the suspect of being a known gang member.
Acevedo was also expelled in the 2021-2022 term for issues including behavior, academics and attendance, prosecutors said.
Witnesses said he had approached the group of victims and asked 15-year-old Brandon Perez if he was a member of a rival gang. Unhappy with the response, Acevedo is said to have shot Perez in the face, the back of the head and back.
Acevedo was accused of doing the same thing next to 14-year-old Nathan Billegas, who prosecutors said was a known rival gang member. Prosecutors said he killed both before shooting two other students, male and female, both of whom were 14 years old. Those two survived.
An attorney for Acevedo maintained his client's innocence.
He had been productive and worked with his father to try an re-enter the educational system, Acevedo's attorney told the judge.
The attorney also questioned the validity of how police identified the 16-year-old. Authorities said they relied on photo and video evidence, as well as a Chicago police officer who claimed to have had multiple run-ins with the teen.
Chicago police also staked out the Acevedo's home and followed a vehicle they claimed he got into. The vehicle was involved in another shooting now under investigation.
Once Acevedo returned home, he was arrested. Prosecutors said he exited the vehicle with a rifle in his hand. Police had a search warrant for the suspect's home, and in their search officers said they found four more guns — each loaded with extended magazines and switches converting them to fully automatic weapons.
The presiding Cook County judge agreed with the prosecution and said the proof is evident and presumption is great.
His next court date is March 3.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram