Hadiya Pendleton murder suspects' trial date set

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Two men charged in the killing of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton nearly five years ago finally have their trial date set.

Micheal Ward and Kenneth Williams will stand trial for murder on April 30.

Pendleton was shot and killed on Jan. 29, 2013, just days after her high school band performed at former President Barack Obama's inaugural festivities.

The honor student's death remains one of the most high-profile killings in Chicago. It became a symbol of the gun violence in Obama's hometown. First Lady Michelle Obama attended her funeral.

Pendleton was with friends at a park about a mile from the former president's home in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood when she was shot. Prosecutors said she was caught in the crossfire of a South Side gang feud.

Prosecutors have said Williams and Ward picked up friends minutes after the shooting, driving an auto that detectives used to link them to the crime.

Assistant Public Defender Julie Koehler said the defense is "ready to go."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.