Trial May Wrap For Derrion Albert Murder Suspect
UPDATED 12/08/10 11:11 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The first trial in the murder of 16-year-old honor student Derrion Albert could wrap up as early as later Wednesday.
When the Fenger High School student was beaten and killed on his way home last year, the case made news around the world.
Now, CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports a 15-year-old boy charged as a juvenile in the case could soon learn his fate.
As of 11 a.m., the proceeding was delayed, and was expected to begin in about half an hour. Albert's mother and other loved ones entered the courthouse earlier Wednesday morning, for the second day of what is sure to be an emotional proceeding.
The defense attorney in the case, Richard Kloak, entered the building soon afterward. He is representing the 15-year-old boy, who has shown little emotion as his trial enters the second day.
The boy was 14 when prosecutors say he punched Albert, knocking him unconscious. The fatal beating on Sept. 24, 2009 in front of the Agape Community Center, 342 W. 111th St., was captured on a cell phone video that was broadcast worldwide.
On the tape, which was repeatedly shown in the courtroom Tuesday, a group of teens can be seen punching, kicking, bludgeoning and stomping Albert to death.
Kloak argued that Albert got up after his client punched him, and therefore, his client should not be charged with murder. But prosecutors say the punch was part of the chain of events that caused Albert's death.
Four others are charged as adults in the killing and are currently awaiting trial. They are Eugene Riley, 19, Lapoleon Colbert, 20, Silvonus Shannon, 20, and Eric Carson, 17. They all face lengthy prison sentences because they are charged as adults, but the boy now on trial will only be locked up until the age of 21.
