COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A short time after two 15-year-old boys finished playing video games, one shot the other six times for refusing to join his gang, prosecutors said.
The incident began with River Williams, 15, and his pal playing video games at Williams' house in the 6200 block of South Vernon Avenue on Nov. 27, said Cook County Assistant States Attorney Joell Zahr.
Williams' father then drove the two boys to 45th and Marshfield, where they met four other males, Zahr said. Williams told the other teen "he knew the group."
They all walked to a park and then continued on to a store at 46th Street and Damen Avenue, Zahr said. But on the way there, Williams asked his friend, a Roseland resident, if he wanted to be a "Latin Saint."
When the friend refused, Williams allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband, pointed it at the boy and asked the question again.
"The victim froze, and did not answer," Zahr said.
Williams then allegedly told the boy, "I'm gonna do what I have to do. It's over for you," according to Zahr.
Williams allegedly fired several shots striking his friend six times — in the chest, arm and leg, according to prosecutors and court records.
The boy was able to get to a nearby gas station, where an ambulance was called.
Cook County Judge Edward Harmening set Williams' bond at $800,000.
