Third teen charged in U of C robbery, murder

Jamal Bracey, 17, of the 6100 block of South Damen was charged late Friday with one count of first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, residential burglary and three counts of armed robbery, according to police News Affairs.

Amadou Cisse, 28, was shot in the chest during an apparent robbery attempt just steps from his home in the 6800 block of South Ellis Avenue about 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2007.

Bracey is not believed to be the actual shooter of Cisse, but is believed to be somehow involved with the crime, police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak said.

Benjamin Williams, 21, of 15115 Sunset Dr. in Dolton, has been indicted on one count each of attempted armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm and first-degree murder, according to Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Tandra Simonton. He was also indicted on two counts of armed robbery.

Eric Walker, 16, and Demetrius Warren, 17, both pleaded not guilty before Cook County Judge Dennis J. Porter, Simonton said.

Walker, of the 7700 block of South Marshfield Avenue, has been indicted on one count each of first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery, along with three counts of armed robbery. Warren, of the 5800 block of South Michigan Avenue, was indicted on three counts of armed robbery and one count each of aggravated discharge of a firearm and attempted armed robbery, Simonton said, noting Warren is not charged with murder.

According to earlier reports, investigators believe Walker, Warren and Williams committed a string of robberies in and around the University of Chicago campus. Cisse, a grad student from Senegal, left International House about 12:30 a.m., university officials said. An hour later, he was confronted by the offenders and shot, apparently after resisting the robbery, the source said.

Bracey was not mentioned in earlier reports, and further information about his involvement in the crime was not immediately available.

Walker and Warren pleaded not guilty, while Williams was indicted on multiple charges related to the fatal shooting of a graduate student. All three men are being held without bond and appear in court on Jan. 31 -- Walker and Warren for a status hearing and Williams for arraignment, Simonton said.

Bracey's bond hearing is scheduled for noon Saturday in Violence Court (Br. 66). Cook County Criminal Courthouse at 2600 S. California Ave. Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006