Teen charged with murder after CTA Red Line rider Kyle Bickham pushed off moving train in Chicago

Katlar Parchman, 19, has been ordered held on murder charges after Kyle Bickham, 29, was pushed from a moving Chicago Red Line train on 7 September.

Teen charged with murder after CTA Red Line rider Kyle Bickham pushed off moving train in Chicago

Four suspects accused in fatal push from Chicago Red Line train

A 19-year-old and a 15-year-old girl are in custody on murder charges following the death of Kyle Bickham, 29, who was pushed from a moving CTA Red Line train near the 69th Street station in Chicago on 7 September, abc7chicago.com reports.

Bickham's family said he was on his way home from work on Labor Day when the incident occurred at around 2:40 p.m. A judge ordered Katlar Parchman detained on several felony charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and acting as part of a mob.

"This defendant acted in concert with three other individuals," prosecutor Marilyn Salas said in court on Saturday. The state claims Parchman punched and grabbed Bickham, pulling at his head. Investigators believe the group pulled the emergency lever, forcing the train doors open while it was still moving before Bickham was pushed out.

Parchman's public defender, Cruz Rodriguez, argued that it was Bickham who had provoked the confrontation — claiming the victim was intoxicated, had been touching other riders' belongings, and spat at Parchman before the altercation escalated.

"There's no indication that she's the person who actually pushed him out," Rodriguez said, adding that he is demanding a trial for his client.

Bickham's father, Christopher Bickham Sr., spoke at a vigil held for his son. "It's the most hurtful thing that has ever happened," he told abc7chicago.com. "He loved writing poetry. He loved us. He loved both of his nieces, his brothers, his sister — he just was an all-around caring guy."

A 15-year-old girl is also in custody facing a murder charge. Investigators are still searching for two unidentified men believed to have taken part in the incident. Parchman is due back in court on Tuesday.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)