CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — A 15-year-old accused in a deadly weekend shooting at Market Place Mall is now facing a juvenile charge of first-degree murder, as prosecutors move to have the case transferred to adult court.
Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz said the original charge of aggravated battery with a firearm has been dismissed following the death of 16-year-old Jaylen Bailey, who was shot during an altercation Saturday evening.
According to Rietz, Bailey had been at the mall with his mother and siblings when he encountered the suspect inside the mall. The confrontation escalated and moved outside, where a physical fight occurred.
Authorities said the shooting happened around 6:14 p.m. in the parking lot area near Dick’s House of Sport. Bailey later died from his injuries at 11:44 p.m.
Rietz also confirmed the suspect was already on probation for possession of a stolen firearm. That history is among the factors prosecutors are citing in their request to try the teen as an adult.
If the case remains in juvenile court and results in a conviction, the suspect could be held until his 21st birthday. If transferred to adult court, he could face a sentence ranging from 45 years to life in prison.
The suspect remains in custody, and a hearing scheduled for April will determine whether the case will proceed in adult court.
Police say the investigation is ongoing as detectives work to determine whether others were involved in the fight leading up to the shooting. Authorities continue to ask anyone with information or video of the incident to come forward.