CHICAGO (WLS) — Attorneys revealed new details in court on Saturday about the death of CTA rider Kyle Bickham, saying four people acted together in the incident.
Bickham’s family said he was heading home from work when, according to police, he was pushed from a moving CTA Red Line train near the 69th Street station during an altercation around 2:40 p.m. Sept. 7.
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“This defendant acted in concert with [three] other individuals,” prosecutor Marilyn Salas said about Katlar Parchman, who was charged in the crime Friday.
A judge ordered the 19-year-old to remain detained on several felony charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and acting as part of a mob.
The state claims Parchman punched and grabbed Bickham, pulling at his head.
The victim was heading home from work on Labor Day when police said he was pushed from a Red Line train near the 69th Street station.
Investigators believe the suspects pulled the emergency lever, opening the doors as the train moved, and pushing Bickham.
“It’s the most hurtful thing that has ever happened,” Christopher Bickham Sr., the victim’s father, told ABC7 at a recent vigil.
READ MORE | Man fatally pushed off CTA Red Line train was coming home from work: family
“He loved writing poetry,” Bickham Sr. said. “He loved us. He loved both of his nieces, his brothers, his sister; he just was [an] all-around caring guy.”
In court Saturday, Parchman’s public defender argued it was the victim who caused trouble, claiming Bickham was intoxicated and touching riders’ belongings before spitting at Parchman.
“There’s no indication that she’s the person who actually pushed (Bickham) out,” public defender Cruz Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez demanded a trial for his client.
Another suspect, a 15-year-old girl, is also in custody on a murder charge.
Investigators are still looking for two unidentified men.
The 19-year-old defendant is due back in court on Tuesday.
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