2 Men Charged in Killing of Chicago Teen

Hadiya Pendleton murder case takes a turn
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 11, 2013 7:24 PM CST
2 Men Charged in Killing of Chicago Teen
This undated file family photo provided by Damon Stewart shows 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago who was was shot Jan. 29, 2013.   ((AP Photo/Courtesy of Damon Stewart, File))

Two men were charged with murder today in the death of a 15-year-old Chicago honor student who was shot just days after returning from Washington, where she performed during President Barack Obama's inauguration festivities. The two young men, ages 18 and 20, were described by police as "persons of interest" when they were taken into custody early yesterday, a day after first lady Michelle Obama and other dignitaries attended the funeral of Hadiya Pendleton. CNN reports that the suspects are gang members.

Chicago police spokeswoman Melissa Stratton said late today that both young men are now charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and aggravated battery with a firearm. Their names haven't been released. Pendleton, a popular high school majorette, was with a group of friends who took cover during a rainstorm under a canopy in a park about a mile from the Obama home on the city's South Side. Police said a man hopped a fence, ran toward them, and opened fire with a handgun. Pendleton was struck in the back and died later that day. Two others were injured. Click for more. (More Hadiya Pendleton stories.)

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